Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius)
Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius)
The Secretary Bird (Sagittarius sepentarius) is a large bird of prey found in the open grasslands and savannas of Africa; but due to habitat degradation the population is experiencing a rapid decline. The species are distinguished by their eagle-like body and crane-like legs. The face is red-orange with no feathers, and the plumage is predominantly gray with a flattened dark crest and black flight feathers and thighs. They hunt by flushing out prey from tall grass by stomping on the surrounding vegetation, and their diets consist of insects and small mammals- locusts, beetles, mice, hares, and lizards.
The Secretary Bird has a wingspan in the range of 74.8”-84.6” (190-215 cm) and total weight of 5.1-9.9 lb (2.3-4.5 kg). The body of the Secretary Bird has an overall length between 43.3”-51.2” (110-130 cm), body width of 8.3”-10.2” (21-26 cm), and standing height of roughly 29.5”-35” (75-89 cm). The typical lifespan of the Secretary Bird is between 10-19 years.
The Secretary Bird (Sagittarius sepentarius) is a large bird of prey found in the open grasslands and savannas of Africa; but due to habitat degradation the population is experiencing a rapid decline. The species are distinguished by their eagle-like body and crane-like legs. The face is red-orange with no feathers, and the plumage is predominantly gray with a flattened dark crest and black flight feathers and thighs. They hunt by flushing out prey from tall grass by stomping on the surrounding vegetation, and their diets consist of insects and small mammals- locusts, beetles, mice, hares, and lizards.
The Secretary Bird has a wingspan in the range of 74.8”-84.6” (190-215 cm) and total weight of 5.1-9.9 lb (2.3-4.5 kg). The body of the Secretary Bird has an overall length between 43.3”-51.2” (110-130 cm), body width of 8.3”-10.2” (21-26 cm), and standing height of roughly 29.5”-35” (75-89 cm). The typical lifespan of the Secretary Bird is between 10-19 years.
