Secretary bird
Noteworthy here are its long neck and head feathers, which are black and can be raised like a crest. These are particularly often used during courtship.
Appearance
Notably, mention should be made of its long neck and head feathers, which are black in color and can be raised like a comb. These are particularly often used during courtship, but the birds also raise these feathers when defending their nest, making themselves appear larger and more threatening. The rest of the plumage is white to light gray on the upper side, with the tips of the wings and tail being black. An adult secretary bird can grow up to 150 centimeters in length and reach a maximum weight of up to 4 kilograms. The wingspan is an impressive 210 centimeters, with which it can both glide very well and fly quickly. Lastly, an important feature of the secretary bird is its croaking cry, which is unmistakable and is also often used during courtship.
Habitat
These animals can be found throughout southern, eastern, and Central Africa, with the Sahara forming the northern boundary. The birds are particularly common in savannas and flat grasslands with relatively few trees. Human settlements are largely avoided, especially during the breeding season. Thanks to their long legs, the secretary bird can move very quickly on the ground. It rarely takes to the air for hunting, where it can easily spot prey with its keen eyesight. The animals also fly when moving to a new area in search of food. However, they only stay in the same place for a long time during the breeding season. Here, a fixed territory is established that no other male is allowed to enter, as it will otherwise be attacked from the air or the ground.
