Secretarybird

The secretarybird is a large, long-legged bird of prey native to the open grasslands and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, unmistakable for its crane-like stature, long crest of black feathers resembling quill pens tucked behind the ear, a sometimes-suggested origin for its common name, and long legs more typical of a wading bird than a raptor. Unlike most birds of prey, it hunts primarily on foot, striding through grassland to flush and capture insects, small mammals, birds and reptiles, including venomous snakes, which it dispatches with rapid, forceful stamping strikes from its powerful legs. Secretarybirds are largely monogamous, building large stick nests atop flat-topped trees, and while they can fly well and often roost in trees at night, most of the day is spent walking, covering many kilometres in search of prey. Habitat loss and degradation of grassland savanna across its range have caused a significant population decline in recent decades, and the species is now classified as endangered.