Sagittarius serpentarius

(Miller, 1779)

Vernacular names
English : Secretarybird
French : Messager sagittaire

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Sagittariidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a size of 1.50 m for a maximum weight of 4.2 kg and a wingspan of 2.15 m. Unmistakable with its bright orange bare skin on face, very long crest, grey plumage with black thighs and flight feathers. Long legs and tail.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in subsaharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and Somalia south to South Africa. Lives in steppes and partly wooded savannas with short grass, up to 3100 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has a large range and is still locally common but overall is declining because of prey shortage, habitat destruction and hunting.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, ESB in Europe

Observation

 

Back to “Other raptors” page