GRAPHIC WARNING! When two secretarybirds caught a hare in the open, they revealed their brutal killing technique. Then, they started fighting over it.
Grant Telfer submitted this disturbing footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed the action in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.
Confusing start
Grant’s video might confuse viewers at the beginning. We see two large grey birds, seemingly chasing off a brown raptor, which flies away.
However, as you’ll soon see, the two secretarybirds have another target in mind.
As the secretarybird on the left sees the eagle off, the other one closes in on a scrub hare. Look carefully, and you’ll see it just in front of the massive raptor.
Typical hunting technique
Although the hare jinks and swerves, it is no match for the long-legged bird. With its wings held aloft for balance, the secretarybird manages to strike the hare with its talons.
Secretarybirds use this technique to incapacitate their prey, which includes small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
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Run rabbit run
Despite the blow, the hare still manages to run away. As it does, the other bird returns to rejoin the chase.
Although we do not consider these birds gregarious, we may see them together as breeding pairs or when with their offspring.l
Competing killers
This time, it is the returning bird that manages to strike the hare. As it does, the other bird closes in.
However, as it does, the other bird leaps towards it, kicking out with its powerful legs.
Seeing its pursuers distracted with one another, the hare once again tries to flee.
Chase resumes
Having deterred the competition, the bird turns and races after the terrified hare.
It doesn’t take long for the bird to catch up to the hare and stun it. What follows is brutal.
Closing its talons to form a club, the secretarybird repeatedly strikes the poor hare. It is said that the strike force is equivalent to five times the bird’s body weight.
Stiff competition
It is at this point that we recognise the raptor in the background as a tawny eagle. They are on record as being in direct competition with secretarybirds, frequently stealing from them.
However, while it watches from the background, the other secretarybird tries approaching once again, only to be swiftly driven off.
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Dead at last
After repeated blows to its head and body, the hare is soon dead. Eager to enjoy its meal, the killer picks up its limp carcass.
Unsurprisingly, it is closely watched by the other two birds, hoping to grab a morsel or two for themselves.
Time to feast
Accordingly, when the other secretarybird gets too close, the killer is forced to defend the carcass again.
Thankfully, the tawny eagle doesn’t swoop in and steal it for itself, while the others fight among themselves.
Consequently, we see the bird finally tucking in as the video ends. While it’s sad to see the hare die, the secretarybird has certainly earned its meal.