The secretary: a bird of prey with a difference

The secretary: a bird of prey with a difference

The secretary, of peculiar appearance, its long legs are more reminiscent of those of a crane, although its claws and beak make it clear that it is a large predator; it is the only terrestrial bird of prey on the planet.

When we talk about a bird of prey, we all visualize an eagle: a stout bird with a powerful beak, brownish tones and short but strong legs. However, few know that there is a bird of prey very different from the rest: the secretary.

A terrestrial bird of prey

The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a large African bird of prey that is surprisingly the only bird of prey that is primarily terrestrial. This bird belongs to the Accipitriformes, which includes more or less every diurnal bird of prey.

However, it is very particular. As already mentioned, it is terrestrial, which has earned it its own taxonomic family: the secretary is the only bird found in the family Sagittariidae.

Habitat of the secretary

This bird of prey can only be found in the lands south of the Sahara; it is not a migratory bird and can be found in savannahs and grasslands. These birds are usually associated with trees such as acacia, where they usually roost at night, as it is a very diurnal bird.