Buhairi Rifqa Moustafid
The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a large predatory bird endemic to Africa, residing in open grasslands and savannah.
Named for the bundle of feathers on its nape resembling old-time secretaries who tucked pencils behind their ears.
The secretary bird exhibits distinctive features like black plumage behind its head resembling an accessory, gray feathers on its body resembling office attire, and thigh feathers resembling black breeches.
In addition, its graceful appearance is enhanced by long, luscious eyelashes akin to a typical secretary. Coupled with its towering legs, reminiscent of professional female secretaries.
Standing at a height between 90 to 137 cm (35.4-53.9 inches) with wings spanning from 112 to 220 cm (44.1-86.6 inches), the secretary bird weighs between 3.74 to 4.27 kg (8.25-9.4 pounds), averaging around 4.05 kg (8.93 pounds).
Monogamous, these birds lay two to three oval, pale green eggs during a two- to three-day period, with the third egg often being infertile. Incubation lasts 45 days until hatching.
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Contents
An Expert Snake Hunter
Utilizing sharp vision to detect snakes in savannah habitats, the secretary bird roams openly, actively hunting prey.
With its keen eyes and long, strong legs, this bird launches attacks by leaping into the air and forcefully kicking or stomping on snakes using its sharp-clawed feet.
Recognizing its prey, it swiftly and powerfully kicks or stomps on the snake. The force of its attack equals five times its body weight, with a contact time of only 10-15 milliseconds.
This technique is not only to disable the snake but can also break the snake’s spine or skull, making it an effective hunting strategy.
The secretary bird tends to prefer medium-sized snakes, occasionally hunting smaller ones. It may avoid overly large or venomous snakes to reduce the risk during the predation process.
Silent and Calm Predator
Displaying quiet and calm traits, similar to a clear-thinking secretary. Nevertheless, the secretary bird becomes highly active during hunting or when with its mate.
Outside these activities, they are often seen strolling peacefully in grassy areas or savannahs, projecting an impression of stability and confidence in their environment.
Furthermore, these birds prefer walking on land rather than flying. With their long legs, they can cover vast distances with quiet strides. Walking on land allows them to detect potential prey, especially snakes and lizards.
Their calm and cautious demeanor, avoiding loud noises or conspicuous movements, enables them to approach prey unexpectedly, a crucial advantage for efficient hunting.
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Faithful Partners with Intriguing Mating Rituals
Known for their rare behavior among birds, secretary birds remain faithful to their partners for life, forming strong bonds and collaborating on most aspects of their lives.
Not only do they stay together throughout their lives, but they also share responsibilities in raising offspring. Both actively engage in providing care, searching for food, and protecting their young.
They also cooperate in managing and guarding their territory and nest and facing external threats. Before mating, they perform a series of interesting movements and dances.
During the mating phase, they stand side by side, raise their wings, and jump together. These movements follow a specific rhythm, considered a form of communication and emotional bonding between mates.
They showcase ritualistic flying, soaring high with undulating flight patterns and calling with a hoarse sound.
Male and female birds also perform a ritual dance on the ground, chasing each other with wing movements, similar to their hunting strategy.
They usually pair on the ground, though some do so on acacia trees. Secretary birds remain close to their respective partners even after their offspring have left.
They construct nests 5-7 meters (16.4-23 feet) high in acacia trees. The male and female visit the nest location for almost half a year before egg laying.
The nest is approximately 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) wide and 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) deep, resembling a flat basin made of branches.