When it comes to birds of prey that specialize in hunting and killing snakes, there are a few key species that stand out for their skills and techniques. In particular, the secretarybird is exceptionally well-adapted for stomping and killing snake prey.
The Secretarybird
The secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a large, terrestrial bird of prey that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Standing up to 4 feet tall, the secretarybird has an eagle-like body on crane-like legs, with long eyelashes and feathers extending from the back of the head that give the appearance of quill pens tucked behind the ears, reminiscent of secretaries from a bygone era. This distinctive bird has adapted to thrive in the African grasslands and savannas.
One of the secretarybird’s most remarkable traits is its ability and proclivity for killing and eating snakes, including venomous serpents. Secretarybirds are able to stomp on and kill snakes using their large, powerful feet and extended toes. They will repeatedly and violently stomp on a snake until it is neutralized and can safely be consumed. Their strong legs and thick scales on their feet provide protection from snake bites.
Snake Hunting Techniques
Secretarybirds employ a number of techniques for finding and dispatching slithery prey:
- They roam the grasslands on foot during the daytime when many snake species are active and hunting.
- They rely on their excellent long-distance vision to spot snakes from 50 yards away or more.
- They walk with an exaggerated, high-kicking gait that startles and flushes hiding snakes.
- They intentionally stomp their feet in potentially snake-infested spots to scare them into view.
- Once spotted, they approach the snake directly or circle around it to attack from behind.
- They lift their wings and fan out their distinctive head crest feathers to appear more intimidating.
- With snakes in striking range, they stamp down powerfully with their feet to stun and kill the snake.
- They repeats the stomps until the snake is lifeless, then swallow the snake whole.
This sequence of techniques makes the secretarybird a ruthless snake predator and helps it avoid potential bites from venomous snakes that could be dangerous even to a large bird.
Diet and Hunting
Snakes make up a large portion of the secretarybird’s diet. They are able to consume even poisonous snake species, including cobras, vipers, and asps, seemingly unaffected by the venom. Their diet also includes other reptiles and small mammals, along with some eggs, young birds, and insects. Secretarybirds need to eat about a half pound of food each day.
Secretarybirds are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and can be found in grasslands, savannas, and open country in countries like Chad, Sudan, Somalia, and South Africa. They spend their days roaming territories up to 20 square miles in search of food. Unlike many raptors, they hunt primarily on foot rather than swooping from the air.
They are diurnal hunters and bring large prey like snakes back to their nests to rip into consumable pieces. They often work in mated pairs comprised of a male and female secretarybird that cooperate to hunt, fight off threats, and rear young together.
Unique Physical Attributes
Several of the secretarybird’s distinctive physical traits aid in its ability to safely hunt and stomp snakes:
- Long, powerful legs – Their stilt-like legs allow them to spot snakes from a safe distance and deliver dangerous stomps.
- Thick scales on feet – Specialized scales on their feet protect against snake bites as they stomp prey.
- Clawed toes – Sharp claws provide them with a firm grip on prey.
- Crest feathers – Erectile crest feathers on the head are used for communication and intimidating snakes.
- Partial wing fold – They can hide and tuck their wings behind their bodies to avoid exposing them to snakes.
These adaptations provide tangible benefits for secretarybirds thriving in environments rife with venomous snakes. Their distinctive body plan is instrumental to their snake-hunting prowess.
Young Secretarybirds Learn Snake Stomping
Like some other specialized hunting skills, secretarybirds are not born instinctively knowing how to stomp snakes. The technique is learned over time, especially through observing and interacting with their parents.
From a young age, secretarybird chicks follow their parents on hunting expeditions. They watch their parents locate snakes, get in position, and stomp accurately. Initially their strikes may be clumsy and ineffective, but over time they become more coordinated and deadly. This practical experience embeds the complex motor skills involved in successful snake killing.
Throughout this period, the parents help protect the naive juveniles from overly dangerous snakes. So by the time secretarybirds reach adulthood and set off on their own, they have mastered the tactics that will sustain them for years to come.
Other Birds That Eat Snakes
While the secretarybird has nearly perfected the art of snake assassination, other predatory birds have also adapted techniques and traits to include snakes in their diets, such as:
Crested Serpent Eagle
This raptor employs its sharp vision and fearless aerial maneuvers to precision strike at slithering snakes from above. It seizes them with its talons and then finishes them off completely before eating. They are resistant to the venom of some snakes like cobras.
Crested Goshawk
A powerful forest hawk that uses its striking speed, lethal talons, and immunity to certain snake toxins to overwhelm snakes on the ground and in trees. They clasp snakes mid-body and dismember them into edible chunks.
Black Chested Buzzard Eagle
This broad-winged eagle rules the skies above African savannas where snakes abound. If it spots a snake, it fearlessly swoops down, extends its wings and tail to brake abruptly, and snatches doomed snakes decisively in its talons.
Southern Banded Snake Eagle
Circling high above the jungle canopy, this sharp-eyed eagle spies snakes moving stealthily below. A swift and silent dive bomb allows it to surprise and seize unsuspecting snakes to feed itself and its nestlings.
These amazing raptors demonstrate the variety of techniques birds of prey have for turning the tables and making snakes their meal. Snakes beware!
Conclusion
With its imposing stature, aggressive stomping behavior, and immunity to venom, the secretarybird has mastered the art of bludgeoning snakes into submission. This remarkable African raptor relies on its powerful legs, thick foot scales, sharp claws, and other specialized traits to hunt, kill, and consume venomous snakes that other predators may avoid. Though other birds like eagles and hawks may eat snakes, none rival the secretarybird’s ability to fearlessly and repeatedly stomp dangerous snakes to death. The snake stalking, stomp murdering secretarybird stands alone as a uniquely impressive anti-serpent avian specialist.