The secretary bird is a fierce bird that is capable of killing snakes. With their long legs, they use their strength and build to defend themselves from cobra bites. But how strong are the legs that can kill a snake? This video by AnimalWhiz shows a secretary bird in action. Read below to learn more about these amazing birds.
The secretary bird hunts for prey on the ground.
©Barbara Ash/Shutterstock.com
About the Secretary Bird
The secretary bird is native to sub-Saharan Africa, where it is commonly found in open habitats such as savannas and grasslands south of the Sahara. They roam savannas and grasslands, which provide better visibility and easier mobility than forests. Although they are birds, secretary birds spend most of their time on the ground hunting prey, such as the snakes that make them famous. Their scientific name is Sagittarius serpentarius, which some believe to mean “archer of snakes.” They get their common name from their appearance, which is said to resemble 19th-century European secretaries who were known to tuck quills behind their ears. Secretary birds grow to about four to five feet tall and have long, scaly legs. These long legs have a powerful kick, making them strong enough to kill snakes.
Hunting Snakes
Secretary birds are fearless, often facing down cobras, whose venom is extremely dangerous. To hunt them effectively, the birds first use their long and thin legs to quietly traverse the ground while searching for their prey. They fan out their wings to create a distraction, encouraging the snake to strike at a non-vital part of their body. Once close enough, the secretary bird will quickly and powerfully stomp on the snake’s head, breaking its vertebrae and skull. Speed is key as the bird needs to incapacitate the snake before it strikes. After defeating the snake, the bird eats it, marking another successful hunt. These birds are fierce and strong, and thanks to their long, powerful legs, they can take down even the most intimidating opponents.
