Animal Guide

Secretary Bird

9 destinations · 6 states

Native Range: Sub-Saharan Africa

The secretary bird is a raptor that looks completely different from the soaring eagles and perched hawks visitors may expect. Its long legs give it the height of a wading bird, but the hooked bill and powerful feet reveal its hunting identity. Watch one walk across an open habitat and you may see it pause, scan the ground, then deliver a quick downward stomp when it finds prey. Snakes are among its prey, but secretary birds also eat lizards, insects, and other small animals. The long legs keep the body elevated while the bird works across grasslands, and those striking black flight feathers are especially noticeable when it spreads its wings. The name comes from the long feathers around the back of the head, which were once compared to old-fashioned writing quills tucked behind a clerk's ear. In a zoo exhibit, the bird's walking behavior is often more revealing than its flight. It may cover surprising amounts of ground while searching, turning a quiet stroll into an active hunt when something catches its attention.

Secretary Bird

Where to see Secretary Bird

9 destinations across 6 states

9 destinations

Abilene Zoo

Abilene, TX

Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham, AL

Dallas Zoo

Dallas, TX

Fort Worth Zoo

Fort Worth, TX

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Kansas City, MO

Little Rock Zoo

Little Rock, AR

Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix, AZ

Safari West

Santa Rosa, CA

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Escondido, CA

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States: 6
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