Secretarybird

The Secretarybird is one of the most unusual raptors in the world, standing tall on long crane-like legs and hunting largely on foot across the open grasslands and savanna of sub-Saharan Africa. Its silhouette, both standing and in flight, is unmistakable due to its height and long central tail feathers.

Its plumage is pale gray over most of the body, with contrasting black flight feathers, black feathered "shorts" on the thighs, and a fan of long black crest feathers at the back of the head that gave rise to its common name, resembling old-fashioned quill pens tucked behind a secretary's ear.

Because of its distinctive coloring and specialized feather shapes, particularly the crest plumes and elongated central tail feathers, this species is fairly easy to identify from feathers alone.

Shape and Size

Crest feathers are long, narrow, and quill-like, unlike typical body contour feathers. Central tail feathers are notably elongated, extending well beyond the rest of the tail. Flight feathers are broad, suited to a bird that also soars on occasion despite mostly walking.

Color and Pattern

• Body feathers: pale gray, generally unmarked
• Flight feathers: solid black
• Thigh ("shorts") feathers: black, densely feathered down to the ankle
• Crest feathers: black, long and plume-like
• Central tail feathers: black-and-white banded, notably elongated
• Shafts: dark on black feathers, pale on gray ones

Distinguishing from Similar Species

The long, quill-like black crest feathers and greatly elongated central tail feathers are unique among African raptors and are not shared by any other savanna bird of prey, making them essentially diagnostic on their own.

Adults show pale gray body plumage, black flight feathers, black thigh feathering, and long black crest plumes; sexes look similar. Juveniles are duller and browner overall with a shorter crest and tail, developing full adult feather length and coloring with maturity.

Molt is gradual, and the elongated tail and crest feathers take time to reach full length as young birds mature.

Found across open savanna and grassland throughout sub-Saharan Africa, avoiding dense forest and preferring habitats where it can walk long distances while hunting.

The species is largely resident, though individuals may wander in response to local conditions; it is classified as IUCN Endangered due to habitat loss.

Hunts almost entirely on foot, walking long distances across grassland and stamping on or striking prey such as snakes, rodents, and insects with its feet. Occasionally soars on thermals but spends most of its time on the ground.

Builds a large stick nest in the flat top of an acacia or similar tree. Generally quiet, with occasional low croaking calls near the nest.

A long black quill-like crest feather, or an elongated black-and-white banded central tail feather, found on African savanna, is highly distinctive for this species.