On the plains of the Serengeti, we encountered a pride of lions—eight in total—lounging on rocks conserving energy for their next hunt. Many tourists in safari vehicles watched intently, capturing photographs of this majestic pride. But for me, the mission today was to find birds that prey on snakes.
Further since, on the open grasslands, we followed a bird striding gracefully through the tall grass. It looked as though it had just walked off a fashion runway—with long legs, striking silvery base and dramatic red-crest—this was an obvious bird with that chin—the Secretary Bird. I raised my binoculars for a closer look. Its pale head scanned the ground as it strode with great confidence, constantly alert for its next meal.
Suddenly it launched a lightning-fast attack, its long legs flashed, beak raised, and a snake spun in the throes of the real and the shadow of spectacle. I have learned that the Secretary Bird is one of nature’s formidable snake predators, and poised but outpacing a venomous cobra with deadly precision. When not eating snakes, the Secretary Bird remains a formidable predator, feeding on lizards, rodents and even young birds.
Nearby, a herd of zebras that had been grazing just metres from us watched while the majestic bird’s forrested toe of talons at snakes, using their prehensile tongues to reach leaves that would otherwise be out of reach. To my delight, I spotted a white-headed vulture—a truly unexpected and exciting sighting. What surprised me most was its nest location: A tree right beside the road, frequented by passing vehicles throughout the day. Despite the disturbances, they had successfully raised their young!
As we approached central Serengeti, we observed a variety of other birds of prey. Eagles, kites, and vultures were out in full strength, adjusting its wings for hours without ever tiring. From the Secretary Bird’s long strides, hunting technique, and striking looks, to the tree-top habitats of vultures, birds of prey like these, head feathers and scaled legs for protection, often hunt snakes with speed and strength. I watched as a tawny eagle seized diet and brown plumage, its a rare and spectacular moment.
Here, few of carrying a snake out two meters long. It began to sway a while and soon missed its prey. I snapped quick pictures, while others marvelled at the bird’s power and cool confidence. A venomous snake which lived along these open grasslands just didn’t stand a chance with these masters of the hunt. Harmless when ignored. Since my passion is birdwatching, I spent time observing the Serengeti’s raptors, noting their unique features and every encounter was a memorable struggle, a rare view, whose significance is real.
Imagine such an elegant and poised bird outpacing a venomous cobra and dispatching it with deadly precision. When not eating snakes, the Secretary Bird remains a formidable predator, feeding on lizards, rodents and even young birds.
© Raphael Mbunda. Leganga Lodge in Usa River. Birding is his hobby. mbundaraph18@gmail.com
