How Many Birds of Prey Hunt for Food on Foot?

Also known as raptors, birds of prey hunt vertebrates, including other birds, and might also hunt for fish and various forms of carrion. Although there are many types of birds of prey, only two are known to primarily hunt for food on foot: the secretary bird and the caracara. Both birds are capable of flight, but they primarily hunt for prey from the ground.

More facts about caracaras and secretary birds:

• Secretary birds have long legs, wings and tails. It is not unusual for these birds to grow to a height of 4 feet (1.22 m), with 3 feet (0.91 meters) composed of their legs. Native to Africa from the Sahara and southward, the bird is sometimes kept in captivity to ward off snakes.


• Caracaras are found throughout parts of the Western Hemisphere and are the only known falcons to construct nests of sticks rather than other materials. The caracara's powerful talons make it possible to grip and rip flesh from prey.


• Secretary birds tend to be terrestrial, flying only when necessary to evade enemies. The bird might walk as far as 20 miles (32.2 km) in a single day. By contrast, caracaras are slow-flying birds of prey that will sometimes compete with vultures for access to roadkill and other carrion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which birds of prey are known to hunt for food on foot?

Several birds of prey, such as the Secretarybird and the Caracara, are known to hunt on foot. The Secretarybird, native to Africa, is particularly adept at stalking and killing prey like snakes and rodents on the ground. Caracaras, found in South and Central America, also forage on the ground, using their long legs to walk and run after prey.

How effective are birds of prey at hunting on foot compared to in flight?

Birds of prey that hunt on foot have adapted to be quite effective in their niche. For example, the Secretarybird has a success rate of around 70% when striking at snakes. Their terrestrial hunting style allows them to exploit food sources that might be inaccessible to other raptors that rely solely on aerial attacks.

What adaptations do birds of prey have for hunting on foot?

Birds of prey that hunt on foot have several unique adaptations. The Secretarybird, for instance, has long legs for striding through grasslands and powerful toes to stamp on prey. Caracaras have strong legs and talons for walking, running, and manipulating objects, which helps them scavenge and hunt for various ground-based prey.

Do birds of prey that hunt on foot also hunt in the air?

Yes, many birds of prey that hunt on foot are also capable of hunting in the air, though they may prefer terrestrial hunting for certain prey. Caracaras, for example, can catch flying insects and small birds in the air, showcasing their versatility as predators in different environments.

What is the impact of habitat on the hunting strategies of birds of prey?

The habitat of a bird of prey greatly influences its hunting strategy. Birds like the Secretarybird, which inhabit open grasslands, have evolved to hunt on foot due to the availability of terrestrial prey and the lack of cover for aerial hunting. Conversely, forest-dwelling raptors often rely on flight to navigate dense canopies and ambush prey.

Are there any conservation efforts focused on birds of prey that hunt on foot?

Conservation efforts for birds of prey that hunt on foot are ongoing, with organizations working to protect habitats and address threats like poisoning and collisions with vehicles. The Secretarybird, for instance, is listed as vulnerable, prompting specific conservation actions such as habitat management and research into their ecology to ensure their survival.