Secretary Birds and Ground Hornbills: Large Birds to Spot From a Vehicle
Secretary birds and ground hornbills are among the most distinctive large birds you can encounter during an East African safari. Unlike many birds that spend most of their time flying or resting in trees, these impressive species frequently walk across grasslands searching for food. Their unusual appearance, specialised hunting techniques and fascinating behaviour make them rewarding subjects for wildlife photography.
Secretary birds are recognised by their long legs, black feather crests and powerful kicking abilities. Ground hornbills have large curved bills, dark plumage and colourful facial skin. Both are primarily terrestrial birds, although they can fly when necessary.
Travellers can observe these birds in suitable savannah habitats across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Kidepo Valley National Park, Serengeti National Park and the Maasai Mara are particularly worthwhile destinations.
This guide explains how to identify secretary birds and ground hornbills, their feeding habits, preferred habitats, conservation challenges and the best places to spot them during a game drive.
Understanding Secretary Birds and Ground Hornbills
Secretary birds and ground hornbills belong to different bird families.
The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a specialised bird of prey that hunts mainly on foot.
Ground hornbills belong to the genus Bucorvus and are large terrestrial birds associated with African grasslands and woodland.
Main Differences Between These Birds
| Feature | Secretary Bird | Ground Hornbill |
|---|---|---|
| Body colour | Grey, black and white | Mainly black |
| Legs | Very long and slender | Strong and relatively shorter |
| Bill | Shorter, hooked bill | Large, curved bill |
| Hunting technique | Kicking and striking prey | Capturing prey with bill |
| Social behaviour | Often solitary or paired | Usually pairs or family groups |
| Preferred habitat | Open grassland | Savannah and woodland |
| Main diet | Small mammals, reptiles and insects | Reptiles, insects and small animals |
Their physical differences make identification relatively straightforward during daylight game drives.
1. Secretary Bird: Africa’s Long-Legged Hunter
The secretary bird is one of Africa’s most unusual birds of prey.
It stands approximately 1.2–1.5 metres tall and possesses exceptionally long legs.
Its grey body, black flight feathers and distinctive head crest create a recognisable appearance.
Why Is It Called a Secretary Bird?
The origin of the name remains debated.
One traditional explanation suggests that its head feathers resemble writing quills historically carried by secretaries.
However, this explanation is not universally accepted.
How to Identify a Secretary Bird
Look for:
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Extremely long legs.
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Grey upper body.
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Black feathers around the thighs and wings.
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Distinctive black head crest.
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Orange or reddish facial skin.
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An upright walking posture.
Secretary birds are particularly noticeable when walking through relatively short grass.
2. How Secretary Birds Hunt Their Prey
Secretary birds spend considerable time walking across open grasslands searching for food.
Their hunting technique differs from that of most other birds of prey.
Instead of relying mainly on aerial attacks, they frequently capture prey on the ground.
The Famous Kicking Technique
Secretary birds use their powerful legs to strike prey.
When encountering a snake or another suitable animal, they may deliver rapid, forceful kicks.
These strikes can stun or kill prey.
Their long legs help maintain some distance between their bodies and potentially dangerous animals.
What Do Secretary Birds Eat?
Their diet includes:
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Snakes.
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Lizards.
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Rodents.
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Large insects.
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Small birds.
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Amphibians.
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Other small animals.
Although they are famous for killing snakes, these reptiles represent only part of their varied diet.
3. Ground Hornbills: Africa’s Large Terrestrial Hornbills
Ground hornbills are among Africa’s largest hornbill species.
They have strong legs, broad wings, powerful bills and distinctive facial colouring.
Unlike smaller hornbills that frequently occupy trees, ground hornbills spend much of their time walking on land.
Two Main Ground Hornbill Species
Africa has two recognised ground hornbill species.
Northern ground hornbill: Also called the Abyssinian ground hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus).
Southern ground hornbill: Scientifically known as Bucorvus leadbeateri.
Both species inhabit suitable African savannah environments, but their geographical ranges differ.
4. Northern vs Southern Ground Hornbills
Understanding the differences between ground hornbill species is useful when travelling across East Africa.
Northern Ground Hornbill
Northern ground hornbills occur across parts of northern tropical Africa, including Uganda and suitable areas of Kenya.
They have black plumage, large bills and prominent casques above their bills.
Adult males commonly display blue and red facial or throat skin.
Females generally have predominantly blue bare throat skin.
Southern Ground Hornbill
Southern ground hornbills occur farther south, including parts of Tanzania and southern Africa.
They have black bodies with striking red facial and throat skin in adults.
Young birds often show different facial colouring.
Quick Identification Table
| Characteristic | Northern Ground Hornbill | Southern Ground Hornbill |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Bucorvus abyssinicus | Bucorvus leadbeateri |
| Main East African range | Uganda and parts of Kenya | Tanzania |
| Facial colouring | Blue and red, varying by sex | Mainly red in adults |
| Casque | Usually prominent | Generally less prominent |
| Preferred habitat | Dry savannah and woodland | Savannah and open woodland |
Geographical location often provides the strongest identification clue.
5. How Ground Hornbills Find Food
Ground hornbills spend much of their day searching for food across grasslands and woodland.
They use their powerful bills to capture animals from the ground.
What Do Ground Hornbills Eat?
Their diet includes:
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Grasshoppers.
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Beetles.
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Snakes.
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Lizards.
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Frogs.
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Small mammals.
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Occasionally other birds.
Ground hornbills may walk slowly through vegetation while inspecting the ground.
When they locate prey, they capture it using their bills.
Do Ground Hornbills Hunt Together?
Ground hornbills sometimes forage in family groups.
Individuals may spread out while searching for prey.
However, feeding interactions vary between species and circumstances.
6. Ground Hornbill Social Behaviour
Ground hornbills are known for their complex social relationships.
Southern ground hornbills frequently live in groups containing a breeding pair and additional individuals.
Some group members help protect territories and care for young.
Cooperative Breeding
Cooperative breeding occurs when individuals assist a breeding pair with raising offspring.
Helpers may contribute food or participate in territorial defence.
This behaviour is particularly well documented among southern ground hornbills.
Why Are Their Calls So Loud?
Ground hornbills produce deep, booming calls that can travel considerable distances.
These vocalisations help maintain contact and communicate territorial occupation.
Visitors sometimes hear the birds before locating them.
7. Secretary Bird Breeding and Nesting
Secretary birds usually construct large nests in trees.
Their nests consist mainly of sticks and other vegetation.
Breeding pairs may reuse suitable nesting locations.
How Many Eggs Do Secretary Birds Lay?
Females commonly lay one to three eggs.
Both parents participate in caring for their offspring.
Young birds remain dependent on adults while developing their strength and hunting abilities.
Why Are Nesting Areas Important?
Breeding birds require relatively undisturbed habitats.
Human activity, habitat destruction and repeated disturbance can reduce breeding success.
Safari visitors should avoid approaching active nests closely.
8. Best Places to See Secretary Birds in East Africa
Secretary birds inhabit suitable open grasslands across several East African protected areas.
| National Park | Country | Viewing Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Kidepo Valley National Park | Uganda | Open savannah birdwatching |
| Serengeti National Park | Tanzania | Extensive grassland habitats |
| Maasai Mara National Reserve | Kenya | Savannah game drives |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Tanzania | Grassland birdwatching |
| Amboseli National Park | Kenya | Open plains |
| Tarangire National Park | Tanzania | Suitable grassland areas |
Sightings depend on habitat conditions and individual movements.
Secretary birds have large home ranges and may be difficult to locate during short visits.
9. Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most rewarding destinations for observing large savannah birds.
Its open valleys, grasslands and surrounding hills provide suitable habitats for numerous bird species.
Secretary Bird Viewing
Secretary birds occasionally walk across the Narus Valley and other suitable open areas.
Their height and distinctive posture can make them visible from safari vehicles.
Ground Hornbill Viewing
Kidepo also supports northern ground hornbills.
Visitors may encounter these birds walking through grasslands or near scattered trees.
The park’s relatively open habitats provide worthwhile photographic opportunities.
10. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park supports numerous large terrestrial birds.
Its extensive grasslands provide suitable hunting habitats for secretary birds.
Ground hornbills also occur in appropriate woodland and savannah areas.
What Can Visitors Observe?
During a game drive, you may see secretary birds searching for insects or reptiles.
Ground hornbills may walk through vegetation while investigating possible food sources.
The park also supports kori bustards, ostriches, vultures and numerous birds of prey.
Spending several days in different habitats improves birdwatching opportunities.
11. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The Maasai Mara provides another worthwhile destination for observing large savannah birds.
Its grasslands support secretary birds alongside many other bird species.
Best Areas to Explore
Open plains with relatively short vegetation can make secretary birds easier to locate.
Experienced guides may recognise suitable hunting habitats.
Visitors can combine birdwatching with sightings of lions, cheetahs, elephants and grazing mammals.
However, secretary birds remain uncommon enough that sightings should never be guaranteed.
12. Best Time to Spot Large Birds From a Vehicle
Secretary birds and ground hornbills can be observed throughout the year in suitable habitats.
Their visibility depends on vegetation, weather and daily activity.
Recommended Viewing Conditions
| Time | Typical Activity | Viewing Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning | Walking and searching for food | Explore open grasslands |
| Mid-morning | Active feeding | Scan grassland edges |
| Midday | Feeding or resting | Search suitable habitats |
| Late afternoon | Continued movement | Observe quietly |
Dry periods may improve visibility because grass is often shorter.
However, birds remain present throughout the year.
13. Practical Birdwatching Tips During Game Drives
Large terrestrial birds are often easier to observe from vehicles than smaller woodland species.
However, careful observation remains important.
Scan the Ground Carefully
Look beyond trees and bushes.
Secretary birds and ground hornbills frequently walk across open areas.
Carry Binoculars
Binoculars help identify distant birds without approaching them.
Use a Telephoto Lens
A lens covering approximately 200–400 mm can be useful for wildlife photography.
Avoid Disturbing Hunting Birds
Never ask guides to chase birds or force them to fly.
Observe their natural behaviour from appropriate distances.
Choose Experienced Guides
Knowledgeable guides can identify birds through appearance, calls and habitat preferences.
14. Conservation Challenges Facing These Birds
Secretary birds and ground hornbills face conservation pressures across parts of Africa.
The secretary bird is classified as Endangered, while the southern ground hornbill is considered Vulnerable.
Threats vary between species and locations.
Main Conservation Threats
Important challenges include:
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Habitat loss.
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Agricultural expansion.
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Poisoning.
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Disturbance around nests.
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Illegal capture.
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Changes in grassland management.
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Loss of suitable nesting trees.
Ground hornbills reproduce slowly, making successful breeding particularly important.
Supporting Bird Conservation
Responsible tourism can contribute to protecting important bird habitats.
Visitors should respect nesting areas, avoid disturbing wildlife and support conservation-focused safari operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are secretary birds found in Uganda?
Yes. Secretary birds occur in suitable Ugandan savannah habitats, including Kidepo Valley National Park.
Do secretary birds really kill snakes?
Yes. They use powerful kicks to strike snakes and other prey.
Are ground hornbills related to secretary birds?
No. They belong to different bird families and have different evolutionary histories.
Which ground hornbill occurs in Uganda?
Uganda is home to the northern or Abyssinian ground hornbill.
Can ground hornbills fly?
Yes. Despite spending considerable time walking, ground hornbills are capable of flight.
Where can you see secretary birds in Tanzania?
Serengeti National Park and suitable areas within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area provide viewing opportunities.
Are these birds endangered?
Secretary birds are classified as Endangered. Southern ground hornbills are Vulnerable, while the northern ground hornbill faces its own conservation pressures.
Secretary birds and ground hornbills are among East Africa’s most fascinating large terrestrial birds.
Secretary birds are recognised by their long legs, feather crests and powerful hunting kicks. Ground hornbills have enormous bills, dark plumage and distinctive social behaviour.
Kidepo Valley, Serengeti and Maasai Mara provide worthwhile opportunities to observe these birds during game drives.
Although sightings remain unpredictable, patient observation and experienced guiding can improve your chances.
By respecting wildlife and supporting habitat conservation, travellers can enjoy memorable birdwatching experiences while helping protect these remarkable African species.
