A shoebill uses its big bill to fi nd lungfi sh.
Stomping on Snakes T e secretary bird also lives in Africa. It’s a
graceful fl ier, yet it spends most of its time walking through the grasslands. It walks as many as 32 kilometers (20 miles) each day, looking for snakes and other animals to eat. When it fi nds a good grassy spot, this
long-legged bird stomps its feet. T at scares up lizards, insects, and small mammals to eat. Yet it’s best known as a snake hunter. When it spots a snake, this bird moves
fast. It spreads its wings and raises a feathered crest at the back of its head. T ese fl apping feathers protect it from snake bites. A striking snake can’t get past the feathers. T en the bird goes aſt er the snake with its powerful feet. It stomps on the snake. It beats the snake with its sharp, curved claws. T en it throws the snake into the air before swallowing its snake snack. It’s so good at stomping snakes that some people keep these birds in captivity to get rid of pests.
A secretary bird uses its long legs to help it hunt.
OCTOBER 2010 7
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