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This is my favorite creature because I am fascinated with how tall and how vicious looking this bird is. I
lived in San Diego for awhile and would see this at the zoo. It's unique and it's plumage is very striking.
There's also something so cool about a bird who can totally beat up venomous snakes.
Which other species is your favorite creature related to and what are some of its ancestors?
They are distantly related to buzzards, vultures, harriers, and kites. Ancestry is still in question but
certain characteristics make researchers believe it is related to ciconiiform waterbirds (San Diego Zoo,
n.d.). What makes your favorite creature unique compared to other species?
It is one of two terrestrial birds of prey. Its’ territory can reach up to 20 square miles which it patrols daily
on foot. In addition, these birds are monogamous – staying with their mating partner until death. Finally, it
has the longest legs of any bird of prey (San Diego Zoo, n.d.).
Are there any concerns about the population status of your species? Is its population affected by human
activities? Explain.
At this time there is no concern about human activity in the ecology of the secretary bird. However,
deforestation and habitat loss could have a profound impact. Currently, they are covered under the
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources in Africa. Animal conservation activists are focused on
raising awareness and importance of habitat protection before the birds become endangered (San Diego Zoo, n.d.).
What is your favorite creature's geographic range? In which ecosystem/biome does it live?
Secretary birds are native to Africa. Their geographic range is from Senegal and east to South Africa and
south to South Africa. They prefer savannas with scattered short grasses and acacia trees which allow it to see potential prey and patrol easier (San Diego Zoo, n.d.)
How does your favorite creature fit into the food web? What does it eat? And who eats it?
The secretary bird is one of the only terrestrial birds of prey (with caracaras being the only other one).
They eat small mammals, birds, and large insects and are famous for their ability to hunt and kill snakes.
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