Want to know where and when to find Secretarybird? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Secretarybird in South Africa
About the Secretarybird
The secretarybird is a large, distinctive terrestrial bird of prey found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. It has exceptionally long legs, a long tail, a small eagle-like head and distinctive black feathers extending from the back of the head. Unlike most raptors, it spends most of its time walking across open grassland and savanna. It feeds mainly on snakes, lizards, insects, small mammals and other ground-dwelling prey, which it can kill with powerful downward strikes of its feet.
How to identify the Secretarybird
Tall, unmistakable raptor with very long legs, a small head, long tail and broad wings. Adults are mostly grey above with black flight feathers and a distinctive black crest at the back of the head. Often seen walking through open grassland rather than perched.
Did you know?
Secretarybirds are famous for stamping on snakes and other prey with their powerful legs, and they can walk many kilometres each day while hunting across open grassland.
Also known as: Sekretarisvoël, Secretary Bird
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Secretarybird, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.