How the Secretary Bird Hunts and Stomps Venomous Snakes in Africa

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:52:00 +0200

The article profiles the secretary bird, a tall, terrestrial raptor native to the African savanna that specializes in hunting venomous snakes, including various cobra species. The bird uses its long, powerful legs to deliver rapid, forceful kicks that target the snake’s head and spine, often killing the reptile in seconds. These kicks can generate several times the bird’s body weight in force, allowing it to stun or crush even dangerous cobras and black mambas without relying on venom resistance alone. The piece highlights how the secretary bird’s specialized anatomy—such as thick leg scales, strong tendons, and keen eyesight—lets it patrol open grasslands on foot rather than hunting from the air like most birds of prey. Biologists describe its behavior as a unique blend of patience, precision, and explosive power, with the bird sometimes leaping onto a snake’s body to pin it before delivering a decisive kick. The article also notes conservation concerns, since habitat loss and human e