Watch this unusual sighting here:
Grant Telfer submitted his account and footage of the incident to Latest Sightings. He witnessed this seldom-seen behaviour while training in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.
Open ground
Telfer said that he found the two birds of prey hunting in the open plains. After inspecting several small thickets, they flushed a scrub hare which they pursued.
Typically very agile, the hare did its best to evade the raptors, jinking left and right to avoid them.
Crushing blows
However, with two birds in pursuit, it was just a matter of time before the first blow was struck. Secretarybirds typically kill their prey by delivering crushing kicks with their powerful long legs.
The prey of secretarybirds, which includes rodents, reptiles and amphibians, is usually smaller than hares. Therefore, it would take several strikes to incapacitate it.
Distracted
When it became apparent that the two birds were competing for the prize, it seemed as if the hare might have a chance.
With wings outstretched, the one bird leapt aggressively at its partner.
Seizing the moment, the little hare tried to run off while the birds sorted out their differences.
Apparent injury
In spite of the opportunity presented, the hare didn’t get far. Whether injured or beaten by the terrain — it tripped.
Now re-focussed on the unfortunate hare, one of the birds resumed its attack while the other held back somewhat.
Meanwhile, a tawny eagle watched proceedings from the background.
Back for more
At this stage, the second secretarybird once again tried to get in on the action.
As before, the first bird was in no mood to share. Again, the two birds clashed, rising into the air and striking at one another with their talons.
Dispute resolved
Again, the dispute was quickly resolved. Only this time, the hare had remained motionless. It would seem that it had either been maimed or killed by the repeated blows.
The other secretarybird (and the eagle) could only look on as the victor walked off with the spoils of war.
When is a rabbit a hare?
In case you’re wondering, one of the key differences between rabbits and hares is that rabbits dig burrows, while hares live above ground.
Also, hares are generally larger, with longer ears and legs. Hares are born with fur and open eyes, while rabbits have no fur and closed eyes.
Both are herbivores, feeding on grass and herbs.
Secretarybirds
Secretarybirds are one of the most elegant birds of the African savanna. Their slender bodies and long legs make for a graceful sight when seen striding across the plains.
They earned their name thanks to the long feathers on their heads which resembled the quill pens of old, synonymous with secretaries of the time.
They are non-migratory and found in open areas across sub-Saharan Africa.
In 2020, they were declared an endangered species, with vast tracts of their preferred habitat lost to agriculture.