Birds of Prey: Eagle on Stilts

Photo by Yoky taken at Serengeti National Park, Tanzania [CC BY-SA 3.0 ]

The Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is often called the eagle on stilts.  While considered a member of the Accipitroformes (along with most raptors) it has its own family and is distinct from all other birds of prey.

San Diego Zoo:  Secretary Bird

The San Diego Zoo website has a good page on the secretarybird including a theory about its odd name:

 San Diego Zoo:  Secretarybird Info Page

Planet Doc has a good introductory video on the Secretarybird:

Secretary Birds of Africa | Nature

 

Secretarybirds are notorious for their powerful kick which enables them to dine on their favorite prey: snakes, and even the deadly ones!   Watch the amazing Madeline the secretary bird stomp a rubber snake in the interest of scientific research in the Jason Ashfield video:

Secretary Bird Stomps Snake with a Killer Kick

Animalogic presents a comprehensive and entertaining video on the secretarybird:

Secretary Birds: Killer Queens

Join Nikon Birding Adventures in Botswana to find secretarybirds as well as many of their bird and beastly neighbors:

Botswana Birds