Secretary Bird

The secretary bird is one of Africa's most unusual and recognisable birds of prey. Unlike many raptors that hunt mainly from the air, this tall bird spends much of its time walking across open grasslands in search of insects, reptiles, snakes and small mammals. Its long legs, grey body, black flight feathers and distinctive crest of dark feathers give it a striking appearance. The secretary bird is particularly famous for using its powerful legs to strike and subdue prey on the ground. For visitors exploring East Africa's open savannahs, seeing one walking steadily through the grass is a memorable wildlife encounter. Kenya's Maasai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo landscapes, together with Tanzania's Serengeti, offer suitable habitats for this remarkable bird and for most of the birding tours in Kenya.

Physical Traits of a Secretary Bird

Weight & Size: The secretary bird is a tall, long-legged bird with a slender body and an upright posture. Its height makes it stand out in open grassland habitats.

Anatomy: Its long legs are adapted for walking and delivering powerful strikes when hunting. It also has broad wings that allow it to fly between feeding areas and nesting sites.

Distinguishing Features: Its grey body, black flight feathers and distinctive crest of long black feathers at the back of the head make it easy to recognise.

Habitat & Diet of a Secretary Bird

Habitat: Secretary birds inhabit open grasslands, savannahs and lightly wooded landscapes where they can walk freely while searching for prey.

Diet: Their diet includes insects, snakes, lizards, small mammals and other small vertebrates. They are particularly well known for hunting snakes.

Feeding Capacity: They search for prey while walking through grassland, using their strong legs and feet to strike and subdue small animals.

Behavior & Social Structure

Social Groups: Secretary birds are usually seen alone or in pairs. Breeding pairs may occupy territories around suitable feeding and nesting areas.

Hunting: Unlike many birds of prey, secretary birds do much of their hunting on foot. They walk through grassland and use powerful strikes to capture prey.

Activity Levels: They are active during the day and spend considerable time walking across open habitats in search of food.

Communication: They use body displays, calls and other behaviours to communicate, particularly during courtship and territorial interactions.

Primary Threats

Habitat Loss: Agricultural expansion and the conversion of natural grasslands reduce suitable feeding and breeding habitats.

Habitat Fragmentation: The loss of connected open landscapes can affect movement between feeding and nesting areas.

Human Activities: Disturbance, infrastructure development and other changes to natural habitats can place additional pressure on secretary bird populations.

Discover the Top Destinations in East Africa for Secretary Bird Sightings

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: The reserve's open grasslands provide suitable habitat for secretary birds, which may be spotted walking through the savannah.

Amboseli National Park, Kenya: Its open landscapes offer opportunities to look for secretary birds during game drives.

Tsavo East National Park, Kenya: The park's open savannah and bushland environments provide suitable habitats for a variety of ground-feeding birds.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: The extensive grasslands provide suitable areas for this distinctive ground-hunting bird.

What Are the Best Times to Visit for a Secretary Bird Encounter?

June to October (Dry Season): Shorter grass in some areas may make secretary birds easier to spot as they walk through open landscapes.

November to May (Green Season): Seasonal rainfall encourages vegetation growth and changes grassland conditions. Bird visibility may vary depending on grass height and local weather.

Seeing a secretary bird walking through the African savannah is a distinctive wildlife experience. Its unusual appearance and ground-based hunting behaviour make it particularly interesting for birdwatchers and safari photographers. With Samton Safaris, visitors can explore East Africa's wildlife destinations while learning more about the species that inhabit these landscapes.

Plan your East African safari with Samton Safaris and look out for this remarkable bird. Sightings are not guaranteed and depend on season, animal movements and local conditions.