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Secretary Bird
Paignton Zoo is home to 1 secretary bird, named Bill Murray, who lives in the ABC aviaries.
Secretary BirdSagittarius serpentarius
Class:
Aves
Order:
Accipitriformes
Family:
Sagittariidae
About the secretary bird
The secretary bird is a striking bird of prey known for its long legs, elegant crest feathers, and distinctive hunting style. Standing up to 150 centimetres tall, it patrols open savanna and grassland habitats, using powerful stomps to subdue snakes, rodents, and insects.
Unlike most raptors, it hunts primarily on foot rather than from the air. Pairs maintain large territories in open landscapes dotted with scattered trees.
Conservation
This species is classified as Vulnerable, with habitat loss across sub-Saharan Africa, persecution by farmers, and collision with infrastructure contributing to population declines.