Bird of prey1/3/2023 ![]() ![]() Though these birds can spend time in and hunt in some human-created open spaces, habitat loss is still a huge problem for this species. Like many other wildlife, Secretarybird populations are declining throughout much of their range and the species has disappeared entirely in some places. A pair of Secretarybirds may roost together in their nest all year round, or they may choose to rest on other flat-topped trees. They usually return to their resting area, or roost, in the late afternoon. Secretarybirds are diurnal (daytime) raptors, though they begin hunting and foraging for food often before dawn. Secretarybirds can sometimes be seen soaring on thermals high up in the sky. Secretarybirds may go there to drink, but also to search out prey animals that are feeling thirsty, too.Īpart from being exceptional walkers, they are also great flyers. After all, when living in an area where water is scarce, a lot of different animals gather together wherever this precious resource is available. As might be expected, larger concentrations of these birds can occur in certain areas, such as near water holes. Sometimes, Secretarybirds do all this walking in pairs, but sometimes they walk alone, or even in small family groups. Scientists estimate that Secretarybirds walk anywhere from 12 to 18 miles (20-30 km) a day! That would be like walking the length of an American football field 300 times or more. And the Secretarybird does not disappoint. Though it looks more like a stork than a raptor when it flies, it is distinguishable from any other bird by the two long tail feathers that extend beyond its feet in flight.Īs you may imagine, a bird with such long legs is built to do a lot of walking. #Bird of prey skinIt has a robust body covered in gray, white and black feathers, a feathered black crest and a red-orange and yellow patch of skin around its eye and in front of its strong curved beak. It has long, stork-like legs that are feathered from the thigh to the tarsus. The tallest raptor in the world, the Secretarybird is unmistakeable. As a rule, this species tends to avoid mountainous and hilly habitats, as well as extremely arid, or dry, areas. It is also attracted to some man-made habitats and can be seen hunting in airfields and pasture lands. ![]() Secretarybirds prefer savannas, scrub, and grasslands with scattered small thorn trees, and open patches in forests and woodlands. Similar to the Northern Harrier, this stunning, long-legged raptor is a bird of open country. It ranges from Senegal and Somalia all the way to the tip of South Africa. The Secretarybird is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. We also supply literature to researchers from our avian research library, which helps scientists around the world gather and share important information on raptor conservation. Though The Peregrine Fund doesn't work directly with Secretarybirds, our efforts in scientific research, habitat conservation, education, and community development help conserve raptors around the world. ![]()
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