Unique, long-legged, largely terrestrial raptor, endemic to Africa.
the secretary bird is characterised by its long legs and the hooked bill. It prefers open veld where it may walk around searching for prey. Secretary birds feed on a variety of small animals, not just (venomous) snakes. Prey is trampled to death with the short thick toes. When chasing prey, they may open wings to aid balance. They seldom fly, but they soar well, when taking off, they face the wind and run with the wings open for balance and to gain lift.
They usually roost at night on a tree, alone or, when breeding in pairs. They start foraging 1 - 2 hours before dawn, then spends most of the day slowly walkingaccross open veld. It may walk approximately 20 - 30 km/day. they generally forage alone, but family groups of 3 - 4 birds and sometimes even larges aggregations can be seen at waterholes.
The secretary bird is monogamous, breeding display consists of high undulating flight with croaking calls. It usually lays 2 chalky white eggs. Incubation is done mostly by the female. Nesltings are cared for by both sexes.
Its name is derived from the arabic saqr-et-tair (a type of hunting bird, although it is also said that it erfers to the crest's resemblance to oldtime quill pens which a secretary often stuck behind his ear.

Sagittarius = bowman or archer, refering to its upright stance
serpentarius = interested in snakes

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