RAPTOR TAXON ADVISORY GROUP
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Secretary Bird

Sagittarius serpentarius
  • Natural History
  • SSP
<
>
Natural History
Habitat: Grassland
Circadian Cycle: Diurnal
Status in the wild: CITES II, Vulnerable
Major threats: Afforestation of grasslands and intensive land use
Life expectancy in wild: ~ 12 years
Life expectancy in captivity: ~18 years
Social structure in wild: Mate for life, not gregarious
Social structure in captivity: same
​Diet: Carnivore

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Habitat (from IUCN Red List)
The species inhabits grasslands, ranging from open plains to lightly wooded savanna, but is also found in agricultural areas and sub-desert (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001), with up to 50% of recorded individuals in the Fynbos biome in winter being found in transformed environments (Hofmeyr et al. 2014). It ranges from sea-level to 3,000 m. Juveniles can move a long way after leaving their nest site, but will return to their natal area (Retief and Smit-Robinson 2014). A variety of prey is consumed, primarily insects and rodents, but also other mammals, lizards, snakes, eggs, young birds and amphibians. Breeding occurs throughout the year and the species typically nests in a flat-topped Acacia or other thorny tree, where it constructs a flattened stick structure (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001).
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Breeding and Reproduction
Parental care: male and female
Clutch size: 2-(4)
Incubation period: 42-44 (-46)days laid 2-4 days apart, and incubation starts with the first egg Fledgling Period: Wild: ~65-106 days Captive: ~87 days earlier with larger clutches
Chick Development: Chicks are altricial are cared for by both parents. Food is brought to the nest 3-5 times a day and regurgitated into the bottom of the nest. During the first few weeks little water is brought to the nest, and dribbled into the chicks mouth, but after a few weeks as food sizes increase more water is brought up to the nest.
Threats and Conservation Status
Although the species may benefit from deforestation, such positive effects may be outweighed by the negative impacts of spreading cultivation and urbanisation (Ferguson-Lees and Christie 2001). The excessive burning of grasslands may suppress populations of prey species, whilst the intensive grazing of livestock is also probably degrading otherwise suitable habitat (Baker et al. 2011). Disturbance by humans, probably most often herders, is likely to negatively affect breeding. The species is captured and traded in apparently small numbers; however, it is unknown how many die in captivity and transit. Direct hunting and nest-raiding for other uses and indiscriminate poisoning at waterholes are also potential threats. These human-induced threats may compound the effects of severe droughts in some areas (Baker et al. 2011).
Date of Last PVA/B&T Plan
11/6/2017
Current Population Size (N)

28 (13.15.0) 
Current Number of Participating AZA Member Institutions
12
Projected % GD at 100 years or 10 generations**
44%
  • SSP Program Designation- Red SSP
  • ​5 year target Population size 35
  • ​Space Needed (Target Population size minus current space) - 150-​149=1
  • ​Recent 5 year Population Trend (increasing, decreasing, or stable- stable
  • USFWS/IUCN/​CITES: not listed/Vulnerable/Appendix II
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Regional Studbook 2017
Secretary Bird 
​(
Sagittarius serpentarius)
Picture
Population Analysis & Breeding and Transfer Plan
Secretary Bird 
(
Sagittarius serpentarius)
​AZA Species Survival Plan® Red Program
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Sustainability Report
Secretary Bird 
​(
Sagittarius serpentarius)
Picture
An official Care Manual has not yet been written. However, please check out the fact sheet prepared by the SSP Program Leader and the Avian Interest Group. ​
secretarybird.pdf
File Size: 378 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Officers

Name
Organization
Position
Michelle Handrus
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
​SSP Program Leader & Studbook
Jacque Williamson​
​Brandywine Zoo
Education Advisor
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  • Home
  • Newsletter
  • Resources
    • Education >
      • Vulture Education
      • Year of the Bird
      • Raptors as Program Animals
    • Events
    • Issues >
      • Microtrash
      • Vulture Crisis >
        • Asian Vulture Crisis
        • African Vulture Crisis
      • Lead Poisoning
      • Rat poison
    • Position Statements
    • Training
    • Enrichment
    • Husbandry >
      • Husbandry Idea Gallery
      • Husbandry Products
      • TAG Manuals
  • raptors
    • Vultures >
      • African Vultures >
        • Cape Vulture SSP
        • Lappet-Faced Vulture SSP
        • Hooded Vulture SSP
        • Ruppell’s Griffon SSP
        • White-Backed Vulture SSP
      • Asian Vultures >
        • Eurasian Black Vulture SSP
      • New World Vultures >
        • Andean Condor SSP
        • California Condor SSP
        • King Vulture SSP
    • Eagles >
      • Steller's Sea Eagle SSP
      • Harpy Eagle (Candidate)
    • Falcons >
      • African Pygmy Falcon SSP
    • Hawks
    • Secretary Bird SSP
    • Owls >
      • Burrowing Owl SSP
      • Eurasian Eagle Owl SSP
      • Snowy Owl SSP
      • Spectacled Owl SSP
      • Verreaux's Eagle Owl SSP
  • Conservation
    • African vulture SAFE program
    • Egyptian Vultures in Oman
    • Bird Window Strikes
  • T-Shirt Store
  • About
    • Contact