# Secretary Bird (*Sagittarius serpentarius*)

> 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.

- **Category:** Bird
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Endangered
- **Range:** Open grasslands and savannas across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to South Africa.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/secretary-bird/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Aves
- **Order:** Accipitriformes
- **Family:** Sagittariidae
- **Genus:** Sagittarius

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| 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) |

## 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/secretary-bird/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.