Secretarybirds have benefited from human activity, such as clearing for agriculture, that has expanded their habitat. They are also prized for their ability to control rats and snakes. Although there are large numbers of Secretarybirds they seem to be in decline, and urban growth may further reduce their populations in the future.
With their long legs and tail, grey and black plumage, black crest and bright red faces, Secretarybirds are striking residents of the African savannah. They differ in appearance and behaviour to other birds of prey, being ground-dwelling and very tall.
During the day they hunt alone or in small groups by stalking over open ground and stomping on prey, which they pick up with their curved beaks. They are attracted to areas that have recently burned where they hunt injured animals. Snakes are their main prey, and their long legs have tough scales to guard against snakebite.
Breeding pairs reunite each year to breed. They return to the same nest, which is a pile of sticks placed in a low tree fork and is added to every year. Females lay two or three eggs and both parents care for the chicks. Young Secretarybirds can fly at about eight weeks of age and are independent soon after.
Despite having large, broad wings, they rarely take flight except to flee danger or to roost at night in low trees. Instead, they use their wings as shields when attacking snakes. Secretarybirds defend their territories which may cover 50 square kilometres.