# Secretarybird

> The secretarybird is a long-legged bird of prey that hunts on foot in open grassland, killing snakes and other prey with powerful kicks. It is thinly spread in the savanna of Murchison Falls and is classed as Endangered.

Source: https://nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/secretarybird

Bird · Resident

*Sagittarius serpentarius*

## In brief

The secretarybird is a long-legged bird of prey that hunts on foot in open grassland, killing snakes and other prey with powerful kicks. It is thinly spread in the savanna of Murchison Falls and is classed as Endangered.

## How to identify the secretarybird

Pale grey with black flight feathers and "shorts", bare orange-red skin on the face, a crest of long black quills at the back of the head, and very long legs and central tail feathers.

## Where to see the secretarybird in Murchison Falls National Park

In open grassland on game drives north of the Nile. Sightings are a matter of luck.

## Habitat

Open grassland and lightly wooded savanna.

## What the secretarybird eats

Snakes, lizards, large insects, small mammals and young birds.

## Behaviour

Pairs walk long distances each day. Prey is stamped on with fast, hard blows of the feet.

## Best time to see the secretarybird

All year. Resident, here all year.

Last reviewed 5 October 2026. Further reading: [en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretarybird).

## At a glance

- **Scientific name**: Sagittarius serpentarius
- **Family**: Sagittariidae (secretarybird)
- **Presence**: Resident, here all year
- **Best time to see it**: All year
- **Chance of seeing it**: Seen with some luck
- **Size**: About 1.2–1.3 m tall; wingspan about 2 m
- **Conservation status**: Endangered (IUCN Red List)

Seen on

- [Game Drives](https://nilesafarilodge.com/activities/game-drives)
- [Bird Watching](https://nilesafarilodge.com/activities/bird-watching)

[Plan your stay](https://nilesafarilodge.com/contact?topic=Accommodation+and+reservations#enquire)

Or call [Whatsapp: +256 757 363362 Landline: +256 776 938 933](tel:+256757363362+256776938933)

## Questions about the secretarybird

### How does a secretarybird kill snakes?

It stamps on them with its feet. The kicks are fast and powerful enough to stun or kill a snake before it can strike.

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[All birds](https://nilesafarilodge.com/wildlife/birds)

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