Snapshot Serengeti Talk

Secretary bird nests

  • hayvel by hayvel

    This secretary bird seems to collect some materials for a nest . But, how do they really nest ? ground ? trees ?

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  • tillydad by tillydad moderator

    They build an impressive nest in trees, commonly in flat topped acacias. A monogamous pair will spend up to 6 months making or repairing a nest before breeding takes place and the 2 or 3 eggs are laid . The nest is typically 1 foot deep and 8 feet wide. They are solid and sturdy structures, and the birds will constantly bring new sticks to the nest until it is abandoned after the chicks have fledged and departed.

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  • hayvel by hayvel

    Thank you Tillydad ! That's why we can often watch them collecting materials.
    Another question, do the same pair use the same nest season after season, like strorks do ?

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  • tillydad by tillydad moderator

    The evidence is a bit sketchy but, as they spend such a large amount of time preparing the nest, it seems likely that they will use the same nest season on season.
    More research is needed to fully understand this strange and enigmatic bird.

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  • hayvel by hayvel

    I think I find a nest . Is it ? : ASG0019w6o enter image description here

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  • tillydad by tillydad moderator

    It could be a secretary bird nest. They are large structures not dissimilar in shape and size.

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