This unmistakable, unique, long-legged, mostly ground-dwelling raptor with possibly the coolest scientific name (Sagittarius serpentarius, meaning “of snakes) was announced recently as Birdlife South Africa’s Bird of the Year for 2019.
It is quite a special sight to see one of these uncommon birds purposefully striding in the open grassland savannas of Africa, overpowering and eating anything from insects, lizards, small mammals, birds and of course snakes. Interestingly, despite its fearsome snake-killing reputation, snakes actually don’t make up a large proportion of the Secretarybird’s diet.
Check out this pair of stunning Secretarybirds recently seen by one of our guides and his clients while on a South African birding tour.
To experience once-in-a-lifetime sightings like these, join us on our expert-guided birding tours. One of our best trips on which to see the Secretarybird is the Best of the East birding tour in South Africa. For more information on this or any of our birding trips get in touch at info@naturetravelbirding.com.