A Conversation for Colours of Wildlife: The Secretary Bird
Stunning
Icy North Started conversation Jan 10, 2011
I love this picture. You've really captured the menace in its expression. 
I've seen these at the Hawk Conservancy, Andover, UK, and they are one of the meanest, most violent creatures I've ever experienced. The zookeeper would throw in a section of rubber pipe, to show how it tackles a snake. Basically, it goes ballistic, grabs it in one claw then kicks the living daylights out of it with the other.
They're pretty tall - do they attack humans often?
Stunning
Willem Posted Jan 11, 2011
Hi there Icy North! No - I have never, ever heard of one attacking a human! That kind of behaviour is reserved for snakes and other prey items. And they never catch anything larger than a large rat or a medium-sized snake. Well anyways I'm happy you liked the picture!
Stunning
Willem Posted Jan 13, 2011
Thanks KB! I love them ... haven't actually seen one in a long while. Going to the local game reserve tomorrow ... so will keep an eye out!
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