The secretarybird (family Sagittariidae) is a monotypic family of birds belonging to the order Accipitriformes. This odd diurnal terrestrial raptor is featured by a crest and extremely long legs which aid to look for preys while walking and running across the savanna. Albeit mostly feeding on arthropods and small mammals or birds, these birds are known to be able to kick venomous snakes to death and feed on them. This bird has cultural significance for many cultures throughout its range.

The family comprises 1 species in 1 genus. Genus Sagittarius inhabits well-preserved open grasslands and savannas of Subsaharan Africa. Despite its large distribution range, populations are plummeting in many areas and the species is currently classified as endangered.

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, 6 Feb 2024

Secretarybird

Sagittarius serpentarius

Majestic, emblematic bird of savanna and dry grassland formerly found throughout Subsaharan Africa but now declining and holding best populations in southern Africa and in the Mara-Serengeti region in eastern Africa. I have seen this species in Kenya.