A tall Secretarybird with distinctive black head plumes walking through the tall grass of the African savannah.
The Secretarybird: An Eagle on the Legs of a Crane
Imagine the body of an eagle perched atop the long, powerful legs of a crane. That is the Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius)—a fascinating biological mishmash designed for a very specific job: hunting on the savannah.
The Ultimate Snake-Fighter
Unlike most raptors that hunt from the air, the Secretarybird is a terrestrial specialist. It lopes across sub-Saharan grasslands with incredible speed, standing over one meter (3.3 feet) in height. Its hunting strategy is as effective as it is brutal:
The Stomp: It captures and kills snakes, rodents, and insects by delivering high-speed, powerful stomps with its dinosaur-like legs.
The Headgear: Easily identified by its ornate, quill-like feathered crest, it looks like a 19th-century clerk with pens tucked behind its ears—hence the name.
A Race Against Extinction
Sadly, this marvelous creature is facing a difficult future. Due to rapid habitat loss and degradation, the Secretarybird was officially added to the Endangered species list in 2020. Protecting the vast grasslands they call home is more critical now than ever.
Witness the Secretarybird in 2026
Spotting a Secretarybird strutting through the grass is a highlight for any traveler. We invite you to join us on an African safari in 2026 to see this unique raptor in its natural habitat before it's too late.
2026 Safari Dates: Full. No seats are available.
2027 Inquiries: We are now accepting early interest for our 2027 return to Tanzania.
For details on these and other trips, click the link here.