Even though the Secretary bird is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, it holds very special significance to us here in South Africa as it occupies centre spot on our national coat of arms.
This powerful bird is depicted on the badge with wings outstretched, making it an emblem for the ascension of South Africa. The spear and knobkerrie underneath represent the legs of the bird and in the same way that they rely on their strong legs for protection from snakes whilst hunting – the weapons symbolise the protection of the nation from its enemies.
The Secretary bird is represented in the centre of the South African coat of arms with its big wings outstretched towards the rising sun. The legs are depicted as the spear and knobkierie, which symbolise the protection of the nation from its enemies.
Although mostly terrestrial, they are certainly very capable of flight. In this photo from a few years back, a Secretary bird takes flight from its nest.
It really is a visually striking bird when you see it for the first time. First of all because it stands around four feet tall and is usually seen walking in pairs in grassland areas searching for prey; secondly you usually notice the set of black quill-like feathers that protrude from the back of the head. From there you start to look at its long legs and how the feathers on them make it seem as if they are wearing black pants. Once you start to look even closer you see the beautiful orange and yellow markings on its face, which make up the finishing touches on this majestic creature.
The nest of the Secretary bird is a platform made out of sticks that is usually found at the top of a tree.
It is always quite amusing to watch them take flight because due to their size they need a little run up to get airborne.
Even though the Secretary bird is closer to the camera it’s quite a nice size comparison to the wildebeest in the background. The Secretary bird stands at about 4ft (1.3m) tall.
They spend most of their time walking through grasslands searching for prey and even though they are mostly known for their prowess in catching snakes, they will feed on a host of other things including insects, amphibians, birds and small mammals (I have seen one catch a scrub hare before which was equally impressive and disturbing to watch). They use their strong legs and feet to stamp down hard on whatever it is that they find in the grass and then bend down and pick it up in their beak, sometimes tossing it into the air if it has not been killed, before swallowing it.
One theory as to the resemblance of the outstretched feathers on the crest to quill pens is the old habit of secretaries putting quill-penss in their hair. This is what led 19th century Europeans to give the Secretary bird its name.
The name Secretary bird is also something that catches a lot of people’s attention and there are two main contrasting theories that are often attributed to its origins. The first theory comes from how the 19th century Europeans likened the black crest of feathers to the quill-pens that secretaries used to keep tucked in their hair. But it’s more likely that the name was derived from the Arabic word Saqr-et-tair which when translated means ‘hunter-bird.’
A front view of what the black crest feathers look like.
Secretary birds are regarded as being nomadic birds and do not often hang around in an area for prolonged periods of time. So whilst we have gone through periods where sightings have been fairly common, the opposite also holds true. Of late we have been seeing a few individuals in different parts of the reserve and every time we see one perched on top of a tree, we scan very carefully to see if they could be nesting. Regardless, it is always special to see one – not just because of how unique they look – but also because of what they represent for us a country.
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Interesting blog James. Love secretary birds. It is one of the bird species that we tick of our list of “big” birds when we go into the bush.
Hello, secretary birds are typical of your country so you surely are proud e of them, alike European with eagle I suppose. They are impressive and also funny to watch- not when they catch a hard for sure! Thank you for the explanation about the symbol on your national coat of arms!
Secretary birds are wonderful creatures … when I was in Kgalaghadi I saw the symbiotic relationship between a secretary bird, a black-backed jackal and a honey badger. It was amazing – they were quite close together as they marched through the bush – the honey badger snuffled along looking for prey, the secretary bird stamped for snakes and the jackal picked up what neither of them wanted. I have never seen such a sight before and enjoyed every minute of following them – this strange trio. They all benefitted from this relationship. And I did too!
Thank you for sharing the symbolism of such a magnificent bird. Quite beautiful. Do they breed in Londolozi?
Hi Barbi, yes they do breed on Londolozi from time to time. They will breed all year round in South Africa and for the last few years we have seen them nest on the reserve.
My first sight of a secretary bird was a silhouette against a golden sky at the top of a huge tree, standing in a twiggy nest. It left a lasting impression! A magnificent bird that deserves to be on your coat of arms!
A very interesting blog, James. I had not realized before that this bird is represented in your coat of arms. I like watching these birds because they are really beautiful and quite impressive.
They are such majestic birds., but I don’t remember seeing them very often in the bush. I certainly did not know they are the crown of South Africa’ coat of arms! Victoria
I was lucky enough to see a secretary bird at Londolozi and catch a photo of it (although it wasn’t a very good photo).
Thanx for the informational blog today on this very special bird. My last sighting was several months ago in Chobe, a pair strolling through the grasses, male leading the female into a rocky formation. I find them stunning in their plumage. I hadn’t realized their significance for South Africa and appreciated the explanation of the image on your coat of arms. Cheers!
Hi James, are secretary birds actually immune to snake venom?
Hi Suzanne, they are not immune to snake venom which is why they do have to be careful and quick when hunting them. Their legs, like a lot of other snake eating birds, are very tough and armoured which helps protect them.
Thanks James that was informative!
James, l love secretary birds🤗
They are beautiful birds and so interesting to watch. Have yet to see one tossing a scrub hair in the air!
Hi James! Thank you for the fascinating article. As kids going through the Kruger , we used to call them the “ Bike pants” birds! Would not want to be on the receiving ends of those talons or that beak!
A really interesting blog James and love the pictures of the Secretary Bird. They are a beautiful looking bird. They make me think they are walking on stilts with their long legs. It is nice that it is featured on your Coat of Arms. Loved the interesting facts that you pointed out about them. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Take care, be well and stay safe to all at Londolozi.
They really are unique birds!
Very interesting, James S ! Thank you very much indeed. Wendy M
Super interesting James! I was gobsmacked imagining a secretary bird killing and eating a hare..seems quiet a meal. Then again a lot less aggressive than a snake 😂. A stunning bird 💕🙏
Completely fascinating!! I once did a report on the Secretary bird, I think it was in 4th or 5th grade!!
These raptors are fixture in the wilderness areas.Trully beautiful bird.built complete with special configurations for killing/hunting
Hi James and Co!
Can anyone tell me what the Tsonga/Shangaan word for Secretary Bird is please? I would be hugely grateful as it is for my book and I can’t find the local translation anywhere!
Hi Susan, yes for sure. The Tsonga name for a Secretarybird is Mampfana. I hope this helps.
Sean! You are amazing, thank you so much! 🙂
You are most welcome.
Hi Susan, yes sure the Tsonga name for a Secretarybird is Mampfana. I hope this helps.