Secretary Bird
Sagittarius serpentarius
With stilt-like legs, elegant plumes, and a deadly stomp, the Secretary Bird struts across Africa’s grasslands like a dancer turned warrior. Known for hunting snakes with bone-crushing kicks, it’s both regal and fierce. But its open-range habitat is shrinking fast. As agriculture, fences, and human settlement fragment the savanna, sightings grow rare. Now listed as vulnerable, the Secretary Bird depends on protected corridors to keep striding free
Critically Endangered
Population: 6,000 - 12,000
Years Until Extinction: 30 - 50 years
Habitat
Savannas, grasslands, shrub lands, plains
Main Threat
Habitat fragmentation and poisoning of prey
Description
Tall and crane-like with long legs, black-tipped wings, and striking crest feathers behind the head. With sharp eyes and a dancer’s poise, it glides low and walks with dramatic flair.
Wingspan: 6.5 - 7.3 feet
Diet: Snakes, lizards, rodents
Nesting: Large stick nests built atop thorny acacia trees
Mating: Aerial chases, swooping glides, and bill-touching
The Secretary Bird is a tall, snake-hunting raptor of the African savannah, walking great distances with striking strides and using rapid foot stomps to kill prey. Capturing this power, the dance is upright and assertive, built on exaggerated strides, vertical posture, and sharply delivered downward motions that evoke its unique hunting technique.
Its kick delivers five times its body weight, fast enough to kill venomous snakes in a single strike.
Learn the Dance
Choreography Suggestions:
Tall stride: long, precise steps with lifted chest and focused gaze.
Snake stomp: rapid downward foot stamps in a tight cluster.
Crest shake: quick head tilt with fingertip “quills” flick above crown.
Controlled and measured stalking punctuated by rapid strikes.
Not a dancer? Co-create with AI!
Costume Ideas: Light gray/white outfit with black calf/ankle accents; slim black “quill” headpiece.
Prompt Ideas: Dancer as secretary bird: long stalking strides, clustered rapid stomps, brief crest-flick gesture; gray/white costume with black leg accents; open savanna feel, clear sky light, minimal camera sway.
