The bird that is known for having long legs and stomping on snakes is the secretary bird. The secretary bird, with the scientific name Sagittarius serpentarius, is a large bird of prey that is found in sub-Saharan Africa. It gets its name from the distinctive crest of long feathers on the back of its head that resemble the old-style quill pens once used by secretaries. But this impressive bird is probably best known for its incredibly long legs and its ability to stomp on and kill snakes.
Unique Features of the Secretary Bird
The secretary bird has several unique features that enable it to hunt and kill snakes so effectively. Firstly, its legs are incredibly long, even for a large bird. Its legs can be up to 3 feet long from toe to thigh. This gives the secretary bird the ability to see over tall grasslands and spot potential prey. The long legs also allow the bird to easily step on and crush snakes before they have a chance to strike back at the bird. Additionally, the secretary bird’s legs and feathers are very thick, which helps protect it from snake bites. If it does get bitten, the bird has extra resistance against the venom.
Another key feature of the secretary bird is its claws. Its toes have very long, pointed claws which act like armor-piercing daggers when the bird steps on snakes. The secretary bird can exert over 550 pounds of force per square inch with its feet. This allows it to instantly kill prey like snakes and lizards by stomping on their spine or skull.
The secretary bird also has excellent eyesight from high above the grasslands of Africa. It spreads its large wingspan to soar through the air while scanning the ground for signs of movement that might indicate snakes or other prey. Once spotted, the secretary bird elegantly glides down and delivers a targeted stomp attack.
Hunting Behavior and Prey
Secretary birds are diurnal hunters, meaning they are most active during the day when temperatures are warmer. They spend their mornings soaring over open grasslands searching for food. Snakes make up a major part of the secretary bird’s diet, including venomous cobras and black mambas. The bird uses its heavy stomping feet to break the back of the snake before it has a chance to retaliate. Secretary birds are generally immune to the venom injected by snakes.
In addition to snakes, secretary birds prey on other reptiles like lizards, amphibians such as frogs, and small mammals including hares and mongoose. They occasionally eat eggs and carrion as well. Secretary birds are not equipped to carry prey back to their nests, so they must stomp and kill prey on the spot and eat it whole. Their strong digestive systems allow them to process bones, scales, and other indigestible materials.
Secretary birds generally hunt alone, but they may also search for food in mated pairs. The monogamous pairs share responsibilities of incubating eggs and raising young. Pairs communicate with unique calls and display flight patterns.
Habitat and Range
Secretary birds inhabit open grassland and savanna habitats from sub-Saharan Africa up to Arabia. They avoid dense forests and wetlands, preferring dry regions with good visibility. Secretary birds can be found in many protected areas across Africa including:
- Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
- Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
- Kruger National Park in South Africa
- Etosha National Park in Namibia
Some key countries the secretary bird occupies include South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and parts of the Middle East. However its population is declining in certain regions due to loss of habitat and poaching.
Mating and Reproduction
Secretary birds form monogamous pair bonds that can last for life. They have elaborate courtship rituals where the male and female perch close together and twist their necks upward while rhythmically stamping their feet. Once bonded, the pair works together to construct a large nest reaching up to 8 feet wide and 3 feet deep.
The nest is built from sticks, grass, and sometimes animal dung. It typically takes 4-5 weeks to construct. Secretary birds often reuse and renovate the same nest each year during breeding season. The nest is typically built in an acacia tree about 15-30 feet above the ground.
The female lays between 2-3 eggs which incubate for about 45 days before hatching. The parents share brooding responsibilities. Once hatched, the chicks remain in the nest for 3 months and are fed by both parents as they grow flight feathers. After leaving the nest, the young birds will stay near their parents for another 6 months, learning to hunt on their own.
Secretary birds reach sexual maturity around 3-5 years old. They can reproduce for over two decades in the wild. The lifespan of secretary birds in the wild is typically 10-15 years.
Threats and Conservation Status
Although secretary birds can defend themselves against predators, they face several threats to their population. Habitat loss from human activities like agriculture and development has reduced their range. They are sometimes hunted for their feathers, meat, and eggs, despite legal protections. Collision with power lines also accounts for many secretary bird deaths.
Due to declining numbers, the secretary bird is classified as a Vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, some populations remain healthy in protected areas. Establishing new habitat reserves and limiting poaching can help stabilize secretary bird numbers.
Secretary birds play an important role in their savanna ecosystem by controlling snake and rodent populations. They face threats from loss of habitat and hunting. Conservation measures aimed at protecting dry grasslands and reducing poaching pressures are key to ensure the iconic secretary bird does not become endangered in the future.
Key Facts about the Secretary Bird
- Scientific Name: Sagittarius serpentarius
- Average Height: 3.3-3.9 feet
- Wingspan: 6.6-7.5 feet
- Average Weight: 5-9 pounds
- Maximum Running Speed: 18 mph
- Diet: Snakes, lizards, rodents, frogs, insects, eggs
- Habitat: Grasslands, savanna, scrubland
- Range: Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable
- Fun Fact: Secretary birds are the only living member of the Sagittariidae family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are secretary birds called secretary birds?
Secretary birds get their name from the distinctive long black quill-like feathers that project from the back of their head. These feathers resemble the old-fashioned pens secretaries once used for writing, so they give the bird a look similar to having a bunch of pens tucked behind their ear.
What is the latin name for the secretary bird?
The scientific latin name for the secretary bird is Sagittarius serpentarius. Sagittarius refers to the archer constellation, while serpentarius means “serpent-carrier”.
Are secretary birds friendly to humans?
In the wild, secretary birds generally avoid interacting with humans and are not known to be friendly. However, some secretary birds raised in captivity can become acclimated to human caretakers over time. But they should not be considered domesticated pets under any circumstances.
Where does the secretary bird nest?
Secretary birds build large nests high up in acacia trees, typically 15-30 feet above the ground. Both the male and female help construct the nest out of sticks, grass, and dung over the course of 4-5 weeks. Secretary birds often reuse and renovate old nests in following years.
How fast can a secretary bird run?
Secretary birds can reach top running speeds of around 18 miles per hour. Their long legs allow them to easily outpace most snakes and small prey on the open savanna.
Conclusion
With its impressively long legs and ability to stomp prey into submission, the secretary bird has evolved to be a specialized snake hunter across the grasslands and savannas of Africa. But despite its formidable appearance and skills, the secretary bird faces threats from habitat loss and hunting pressures. Conservation efforts focused on protecting this unique bird and its dryland ecosystem will be important to ensure secretary birds continue their reign over Africa’s serpents.
