The secretarybird or secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a very large, mostly terrestrial bird of prey. Endemic to Africa, it is usually found in the open grasslands and savannah of the sub-Saharan region. Its common name is popularly thought to derive from the crest of long quill-like feathers, lending the bird the appearance of a secretary with quill pens tucked behind their ear, as was once common practice.
The secretarybird is instantly recognizable as a very large bird with an eagle-like body on crane-like legs which increases the bird’s height to as much as 1.3 m (4 ft) tall. This bird has an eagle-like head with a hooked bill, but has rounded wings.[10] Height can range from 90 to 137 cm (35 to 54 in). Total length from 112 to 152 cm (44 to 60 in) and the wingspan is 191–220 cm (75–87 in).
Info from Wikipedia
I'm from Tulbagh, Western Cape, South Africa. Tulbagh is a small farming community.
Get Pushed Challenge: I have been doing this challenge on and off...
So regal! Fabulous capture. I have a vivid childhood memory of driving through the Karoo and seeing a secretary bird bashing a snake to heaven and gone. But my father didn't stop. Nor did I have a camera ;(
Such a beautiful bird, one of our most majestic raptors. And a great shot of this one! You know, I am sure, that it is a snake specialist? Still in Bergkwagga park?
@ericdibosco unfortunately not, Eric. We spent a few days there at the beginning of November. I missed posting so many of my Kruger pics that I decided to post irrespective of dates! I'm definitely not being quite as strict with myself regarding taking and posting a picture every day!
@kwiksilver it is quite a sight to see them catch a snake. Their legs must be immensely powerful. Plus I don't think I'd like to be on the receiving end of that beak!
November 30th, 2014
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