There are many fascinating birds in the world, each with its own unique features and characteristics. One bird that stands out in particular is the Secretary Bird. This bird is known for its tall, elegant, long legs, which are combined with an eagle-like body. On its head, it has quill-like plumes that look like an Indian headdress, as well as red facial skin and plumage on the upper parts and lesser median wing coverts, which are blue-gray. The underwing coverts are a lighter gray to gray-white.
The Secretary Bird is native to sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Somalia and south to South Africa. It is a non-migratory bird, though it may follow rainfall to keep up with the abundance of prey. The bird prefers open rangeland and Savanna, where it strides around on its long legs looking for reptiles, mammals, and insects, which it bludgeons to death with its legs.
Secretary birds form monogamous pairs and defend a large territory of up to 19 sq mi. Breeding can occur at any time of the year, but it is more frequent at the end of a late dry season. A nest is built, usually at the top of a tree, by both males and females, and one to three eggs are laid at different times. After the eggs hatch, the chicks are fed by both adults, which take turns feeding their young. Young usually leave the nest after around 75-80 days.
Though Secretary Birds are birds of prey, they are largely terrestrial hunters, hunting down their prey on foot. They do this hunting in pairs or in familial flocks, stalking through their habitat in long strides. Their diet consists mainly of insects, such as locusts, beetles, and small mammals like mice, hare, and mongoose. They also eat crabs, lizards, snakes, tortoises, small birds, along with their eggs.
In 1968, the species became protected under the African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Currently, Secretary Birds are threatened by habitat loss, but conservation efforts are proceeding to slow and hopefully stop the decline in population. In 2016, the population was estimated to be between 6,700 to 67,000 individuals.
In conclusion, the Secretary Bird is a remarkable bird with many fascinating features and behaviors. Its unique characteristics and hunting methods make it a standout species among the many birds of the world.
