Secretary Bird - Behavior

Diurnal. Commonly seen in pairs stalking across open country, crest raised like an Indian head-dress whilst hunting. Flies strongly and often soars to a great height. During courtship, circles high above the ground in an undulating display, uttering strange croaking cries or chases across the grasslands with wings outstretched in pursuit of its mate. Possesses a hard knob of skin on the underside of each foot with which it delivers a powerful and accurate blow to stun its prey, and is famed for its snake killing abilities. Roosts on top of thorn trees.