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Quick answer
The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a long-legged African raptor that stamps snakes, rodents, and large insects to death on open grassland. Adults weigh about 4 kg, stride across savanna from Senegal to South Africa, and are listed Endangered as farmland conversion and poisoning shrink prey-rich plains.
Top questions about the Secretary Bird
Also available in Español (Ave secretaria)
Secretary Bird facts at a glance
- Weight 4 kg
- Length 1.3 m
- Top speed 30 km/h
- Lifespan 15 years
| Scientific name | Sagittarius serpentarius |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore (snakes, rodents, insects) |
| Habitat | Savanna, grassland, and open woodland |
| Lifespan | Around 15 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 4 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 30 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Endangered (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Sagittariidae |
| Genus | Sagittarius |
Where it lives
The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is native to Open grasslands and savannas across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to South Africa. — recorded across Africa in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a secretary bird?
An adult secretary bird measures 1.3 m long — about 75% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 4.0 kg, about 6% of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of secretary birds called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Secretary Birds is called an ostentation.
Baby name
A baby Secretary Bird is called a chick.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Raptor on stilts
Unlike most hawks, secretary birds hunt mainly on foot. Long crane-like legs deliver powerful stamps, and short, hooked talons finish prey. Black crest feathers reminded early observers of quill pens tucked behind a clerk's ear — hence the name.
Snake-stomping carnivore
Diet includes snakes (venomous and non-venomous), lizards, rodents, hares, and locusts or other large insects. Birds locate prey by walking steadily through grass, then kick repeatedly until movement stops before swallowing.
Sub-Saharan open country
They occupy savanna, grassland, and open woodland from West Africa across the Sahel and East African plains to South Africa. Dense forest and true desert are avoided; they need clear ground for walking hunts.
Endangered on shrinking plains
IUCN lists the species Endangered. Conversion of grassland to intensive crops, secondary poisoning from rodent baits, and bush encroachment reduce hunting habitat. Large home ranges make them sensitive to landscape change.
Explore the Secretary Bird
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Range & geography
Conservation status of the Secretary Bird
The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Endangered (EN) means a species faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Populations are usually declining sharply due to habitat loss, hunting, disease, or climate pressure. It sits one level below Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Main threats to the secretary bird
- Habitat loss from agriculture and afforestation
- Collision with power lines and fences
- Pesticide poisoning of prey
- Capture for the pet trade
Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) was most recently assessed for the IUCN Red List in 2020. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Secretary Bird
How do secretary birds kill snakes?
They pin and batter snakes with rapid, forceful stamps of the feet, then swallow prey whole once it is disabled.
Can secretary birds fly?
Yes. They soar and nest in trees or bushes despite hunting mostly on the ground.
Why is it called a secretary bird?
The black crest feathers resemble quill pens once carried behind a secretary's ear.
Are secretary birds Endangered?
Yes — IUCN lists them Endangered due to grassland loss, poisoning, and declining prey across much of Africa.
Where do secretary birds live?
Open grasslands and savannas across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to South Africa.
What is a group of secretary birds called?
A group of Secretary Birds is called an ostentation.
What is a baby secretary bird called?
A baby Secretary Bird is called a chick.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Secretary Bird:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Endangered) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Sagittarius serpentarius, most recently assessed in 2020.
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Sagittarius serpentarius. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Sagittarius serpentarius. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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eBird — bird observations
Cornell Lab eBird target search for Secretary Bird. Check recent checklists and seasonal abundance where birders report this species.
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