Meet the bird that literally stomps its prey — including snakes — to death

As odd and awe-inspiring as this bird may be, one thing’s certain: you wouldn’t want to be a snake on the wrong side of this bird’s foot.

Discover the secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius), the African raptor that kills venomous snakes by stamping them to death. (Source: Wikimedia Commmons)

Imagine a bird that hunts like a lion but looks like it walked out of a costume party with feathers on its head and legs like stilts. That’s the secretary bird, and while it might look elegant, it’s a cold-blooded snake killer. Native to the grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, this tall, striking bird has one of the most unique hunting techniques in the animal kingdom, it kills snakes by literally stomping them to death.

While most birds of prey swoop from the sky with talons extended, the secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) prefers a different approach. It hunts on foot, striding across open plains like a long-legged assassin. And when it finds a snake? It doesn’t hesitate. With lightning speed, it delivers a powerful kick that can crush the reptile’s skull in an instant.

In fact, according to Science Daily, researchers in the UK studied a secretary bird named Madeleine and found she could deliver a strike with nearly 195 newtons of force—about five times her body weight—in just 15 milliseconds. That’s faster than the blink of an eye. These birds aim for the head and can kill a snake before it even has a chance to strike.

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Adapted for the hunt

Secretary birds are perfectly built for this dangerous job. Their long legs are covered with tough scales to protect them from bites, and their wide wings can be used like a cape, distracting the snake as the bird moves in for the kill. While snakes are their speciality, their menu includes a wide range of animals: insects, rodents, lizards, frogs, and even small birds. Some have even been known to take on mongooses or young hares.

Despite their fearsome skill, snakes don’t actually make up the majority of their diet. But because of how dramatic those encounters are, it’s no surprise they’ve earned a reputation as nature’s snake stompers.

Secretary birds are perfectly built for this dangerous job. (Source: Wikimedia Commmons)

Life on the savanna

Secretary birds live in open grasslands and savannas, where their long strides help them cover a lot of ground while hunting. Unlike most raptors, they only take to the skies to roost, nest, or show off during mating displays. Nests are built high up in thorny trees, and both parents take turns caring for the eggs and feeding the chicks. It takes about two to three months for the young to fledge.

These birds are also cultural icons. You’ll find them on the coat of arms of South Africa, where they symbolize protection and vigilance.

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Why they’re in trouble

Sadly, despite their wide range, secretary birds are facing serious threats. They’re listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Expanding agriculture, urban development, and habitat destruction have all taken a toll. Populations are shrinking in many areas, and researchers warn that without action, the secretary bird could become a rare sight in the wild.

Conservation groups are now working to protect their habitats and educate communities about the importance of preserving these birds, not just because they’re fascinating, but because they play a vital role in keeping ecosystems balanced.

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