By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a large, mostly terrestrial, bird of prey. It is usually found in the open grasslands and savanna of the sub-Saharan region of Africa.
The secretary bird is instantly recognizable as a very large bird with an eagle-like body on crane-like legs that give the bird a height of as much as 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in). The sexes are similar in appearance. Adults have a featherless red-orange face and predominantly grey plumage, with a flattened dark crest and black flight feathers and thighs.
Secretary birds are not generally gregarious aside from pairs and their offspring. They soar with their primary feathers splayed to manage turbulence. In the heat of the day, they use thermals to rise up to 3,800 m (12,500 ft) above the ground.
Called “eye akowe” in Yoruba, Secretary bird can live between 15 to 19 years under favourable conditions and environment.
Scientists say breeding in Secretary Bird can take place at any time of year, but tends to be late in the dry season. The nest is built at the top of a thorny tree, and a clutch of one to three eggs is laid.
As a skilled hunter, the Secretary bird is known for its unique hunting technique. It walks through the grassland and savannah using its strong legs and sharp talon to kick and stomp on prey, such as snakes and small mammals until they are incapacitated, it then devours them whole, swallowing the head first.
Secretary bird is also known for its impressive speed and agility, which it uses to evade predators such as hyenas and eagles. With its powerful wings it can take to the air and fly up to 20 metres (65ft) on a single bound.
However, Secretary birds are only vulnerable to predation as eggs and young birds in the nest. Other known predators include crows, ravens, Ground Hornbills, eagle-owls.
Researchers note that sometimes secretary birds throw their prey high up in the sky.
However, while these birds are known to hunt venomous snakes, they are not immune to snake venom. They approach snakes with caution and make sure the snake is dead before consuming it.
Secretary Bird play a good role in biodiversity preservation as they can provide pest control services through preying on small and large mammals and invertebrates that feed on crops.
Although the secretary bird occurs over a large range, the results of localised surveys suggest that the total population is experiencing a rapid decline, probably as a result of habitat destruction. The species is therefore classed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
In some African cultures, the secretary bird is considered a symbol of good luck, strength, and independence, and is often featured in traditional art and folklore.
The Secretary Bird appears on the coats of arms of Sudan and South Africa.
In South Africa, the Secretary Bird is represented in the centre of the coat of arms with its big wings outstretched towards the rising sun. The legs are depicted as the spear and knobkierie, which symbolise the protection of the nation from its enemies.
