The secretarybird or secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a large bird of prey that is endemic to Africa. It is mostly terrestrial, spending most of its time on the ground, and is usually found in the open grasslands and savanna of the sub-Saharan region. John Frederick Miller described the species in 1779. A member of the order Accipitriformes, which also includes many other diurnal birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, kites, vultures, and harriers, it is placed in its own family, Sagittariidae. The secretary bird is distinguished by its long legs and a dramatic black crest of feathers on the back of its head. Its body is covered in whitish-gray feathers, with two long, black-tipped tail feathers. Its bare face is usually yellow, orange or red. Secretarybirds prefer savannas, scrub, and grasslands with scattered small thorn trees, and open patches in forests and woodlands. It is also attracted to some man-made habitats and can be seen hunting in airfields and pasture lands. Secretaries are sedentary during breeding season and as long as food is available. Nomadic in most areas in response to changes in rainfall, grazing and fires. Adult males are usually the last to abandon territories, while juveniles wander widely in search of areas unoccupied by mated pairs. It will catch amphibians and various invertebrates, including insects, scorpions, millipedes, and crabs. Secretarybirds also eat snakes, including several venomous species, such as puff adders and cobras, and other reptiles, such as lizards and small tortoises. It eats other birds and their eggs, too! Secretarybirds are well known for their hunting behaviour where they stomp their prey to death. Secretarybirds are only vulnerable to predation as eggs and young birds in the nest. Known predators include crows, ravens, Ground Hornbills, eagle-owls and other raptors. Secretarybirds are generally silent, although they can produce calls such as a deep croaking sound that can be heard from a distance, as well as a growling noise. Both of these calls are used in combination during aerial and ground courtship displays. Here is a link so you can listen to this bird too.