The secretary bird is a large bird of prey that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. It’s known for its unique appearance, characterised by its long legs, a distinctive crest of feathers on its head, a mostly grey upper body, and a black-feathered lower body with grey and white accents. A truly remarkable bird and one we thoroughly enjoy when ever we get a chance to see one. Thankfully for us, there have been a few individuals that have been seen fairly regularly over the last little while.
The Secretary Bird’s name likely comes from the bird’s crest of feathers resembling the quill pens that secretaries used to tuck behind their ears.
The scientific name of the secretary bird, “Sagittarius serpentarius” has an interesting origin:
The genus name, “Sagittarius,” comes from the Latin word for “archer” or “hunter,” which references the bird’s hunting behavior.
The species name, “serpentarius,” is derived from the Latin word “serpens,” meaning “serpent” or “snake.”
This refers to the bird’s notable ability to stomp and kick at snakes and other small animals on the ground to immobilize and kill them. The secretary bird is renowned for its impressive snake-hunting skills, often using its powerful legs to deliver lethal blows to its prey.
The Secretary Bird’s legs are covered, not in feathers, but by hard scales which prevent it from being envenomated by harmful snake bites.
When out on a game drive, I am always on the lookout for this unique bird of prey and on one particular morning, my guests were treated to an extraordinary sighting of a Secretary bird in pursuit of a Nightjar. The nightjar is a small nocturnal bird that mostly sleeps on the ground during the day and then breaks cover at night to feast on nocturnal insects. While perching still the nightjar’s feathers and colouration allow it to camouflage perfectly, blending in with the environment and allowing it to remain undetectable during its daily slumber.
To the surprise of all present, this diurnal raptor had somehow spotted the camouflaged nightjar and with its gaze unwavering, the Secretary Bird took a few small deliberate steps towards the frozen still nightjar, hoping it had not been seen or could have been fast asleep and unaware of the imminent danger.
In a swift and calculated move, the Secretary Bird unleashed a powerful trample, its long legs and sharp talons proving formidable. The Nightjar, taken by surprise, met its fate in a tragic instant.
As the Secretary Bird began to feed on its freshly caught prey, the stage was set for an even more astonishing twist. A Tawny Eagle, the embodiment of opportunism and aerial prowess, swooped down from the sky. With the precision of a seasoned hunter, the Tawny Eagle made its move.
In a breathtaking display of agility and audacity, the Tawny Eagle managed to snatch the lifeless Nightjar from the Secretary Bird’s grasp. The Secretary Bird, momentarily taken aback by this audacious intrusion, leapt out of the way, surrendering its prize to the powerful Tawny Eagle.
As the Tawny Eagle took flight, clasping the Nightjar in its talons, the drama was far from over. The eagle, now carrying its ill-gotten meal, sought refuge in a nearby dead tree. It began to feast, tearing into the Nightjar’s lifeless body with a ruthless determination as its feathers drifted through the air down to the ground.
Throughout this dramatic standoff, the Secretary Bird looked on from a safe distance, its majestic form a symbol of both caution and respect. Nature has demonstrated its unpredictable and unyielding nature, highlighting the fine balance of power and vulnerability that exists among species. The sighting of a Secretary bird hunting a Square-tailed Nightjar, only to have its meal stolen by a juvenile Tawny Eagle, is a testament to the wonders of nature and the thrilling experiences that await at Londolozi Game Reserve.
First – The blog title GOT my attention, and then the photos! I am speechless! Wow – Truly Incredible sighting! And truely well done to the photographer!
Thank You Gawie! I was in the right place at the right time!
Famtastic photos Nick!
Thank You Vin!
Awesome photography! I think I would have been too stunned to shoot!!!
Thank You Camille! Fortunately I was so focused on capturing the Nightjar in the Beak of the Secretary bird that when the Tawny Eagle arrived my camera was up and ready!
Crazy! Great shots! Interesting bird(s)…maybe the Nightjar needs to take up sleeping somewhere else?!
Thank You Anita. Bad luck for the nightjar on this occasion, but a rare sighting indeed!
Wow! Incredible sighting Nick, and even more incredible images. You really captured the moment for us in your writing and photos. Bravo!!
Thank You, Paul.
Nick, What a great sighting and fantastic action photos! Great info on the Secretary Bird. Thanks for a great reminder of the drama that goes on with the birds – not just leopards and lions! We are missing you and Joy and can’t wait to return!
Thank You Michael and Terri! Im glad you enjoyed the information on the Secretary Bird. Joy and I look forward to it!
Wow! Thank you for the pictures. I was fortunate enough when I was there to see a Secretary Bird and a Tawny Eagle. Both stunning birds. I have a wonderful picture of the tawny sitting on a branch at sunset.
Thank You Sandra, They are both epic Birds of Prey and I’m glad you managed to photograph one of them!
Nick what a fantastic sighting and your photography is absolutely stunning. I would never of thought that an eagle would swoop down and grab the nightjar out of the secretary birds grasp. That just goes to show never a dull moment in the wild.
Thank You Valmai! Exactly, there is never a dull moment in the bush and it always seems to surprise us.
What a dramatic encounter between those three birds. Fantastic photos, Nick.
There are lots of fantastic sightings out in the bush, as exciting as sightings of predators like lions or leopards.
Thank You Christa!
Great story, Nick and amazing photos!
Thank You Mary Beth
Wow Nick, what a phenomenal sighting! And your photos are fabulous.
Thank You Suzanne!
Nick, thank you for the fascinating story of the secretary bird, the night hawk and the tawny eagle. Nature is truly amazing and very oppurtunistic.
Thank You William. There are a lot of opportunistic predators and birds of prey out in the bush.
First of all, your images tell this story illustrating drama and power, so well done Nick! The Secretary bird is one of those elusive species that I’ve only seen once and not close enough to get a proper view. How amazing to not only spot this stunning bird, but witness its attack of the Nightjar, and before able to consume, loses it to the Tawny Eagle. Just another stellar moment!
Thank You Denise, It really was a stellar moment and a sighting I won’t forget. I hope you get the chance to see the Secretary bird on your next visit to Londolozi!
What amazing photographs and story!
Lions, leopards and birds… oh my!!
Thank You Barbi!
What a fantastically captured scene! I love birds and only wish I’d been there to see this play out in real life. Your incredible images captured it beautifully. I may need to meditate on the symbolism of this sighting for some time.
Thank You Chelsea, My guests and I were very fortunate to witness this. I’m thrilled that you are fascinated by birds. They really are so interesting and can be really challenging to photograph which is exciting!
Interesting post and fabulous group of photos Nick! It reminded me of an experience I had while kayaking. An osprey dove into the lake for a fish and I was happy to get a good shot of it powerfully pulling up and out of the water. As the osprey is flying away suddenly a bald eagle 🦅 arrives and steals it! Thanks for this post 🤩📸 🙏🏻
Thank you Marcia. Wow! its sounds like you had an unbelievable sighting – thanks for sharing.