Counting on Africa
Educational Childrens Books Publisher
Secretary Bird
Soaring over the African grasslands on long, stork-like legs is the secretary bird, a raptor that prefers walking to flying! This tall, graceful bird looks like no other, with an eagle-like head, a crest of black feathers that look like old-fashioned quicks tucked behind a secretary's ear, and powerful legs protected by scales.
It is a famous snake hunter, spending its days striding through the grass on a constant search for food. When it spots a snake, it uses its lightning-fast legs and heavy-scaled toes to deliver powerful, stamping kicks that can stun even the most dangerous vipers. It’s a respected predator and a symbol of protection across Africa.
DID YOU KNOW?
Secretary Birds look like storks, but are actually raptors!
Secretary Birds are an Endangered Species.
Secretary Bird Conservation
The iconic secretary bird is now facing a silent crisis and is classified as Endangered. Its population is declining across the African savanna, primarily due to the loss of its grassland habitat to agriculture and urban expansion. These tall birds need vast, open territories to hunt effectively, and as the wild spaces shrink and become fragmented, they struggle to find enough food. They are also vulnerable to poisoning, both accidental and intentional, and collisions with fences and powerlines. Protecting this unique bird requires conserving large stretches of grassland and working with communities to ensure its ancient hunting grounds remain wild and safe.​
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