Raptors are some of the best sightings a safari can deliver, especially if you slow down and look up as well as out. Two of the most striking in Kenya are the secretary bird and the martial eagle. Both are in trouble, so seeing them is a privilege.
Secretary bird
This is the tallest raptor, standing about 1.3 metres, and it hunts on foot rather than from the air. It walks through grass in long strides, stamps on the vegetation to flush prey and then stamps on it to kill or stun it. Its diet is mostly insects such as grasshoppers and locusts, along with small vertebrates such as rodents, lizards and frogs. It does eat snakes, though their importance in its diet was once overstated. It prefers open grassland and savanna. Its status was raised from vulnerable to endangered in 2020 because of a rapid decline across its range.
Martial eagle
This is a powerful eagle with a wingspan of roughly 1.9 to 2.4 metres. Females are noticeably larger than males. It usually hunts from high soaring flight, then stoops on prey and strikes with its long legs. It takes an enormous range of prey, with more than 170 species recorded, from hares and hyraxes to guineafowl, monitor lizards and small antelope. It lives in wooded savanna, open woodland and thornbush and is listed as endangered.
How to spot raptors on safari
- Scan tall trees and termite mounds for perched birds, as well as the sky.
- Ask your guide to stop. Birds are easy to miss at speed.
- Bring binoculars. They make a big difference.
- Stay quiet near a feeding bird and keep your distance.
Why their status matters
Habitat loss, shrubland encroachment on grassland and other pressures are behind the declines. Parks and conservancies that keep open habitat help both species. Read our overview of the Maasai Mara ecosystem to see how it all fits together.
More on Kenya’s birds
See iconic birds of a Kenya safari and our photography tips. A camera and a good lens help; see camera gear for Kenya.
Frequently asked questions
What is the tallest bird of prey?
The secretary bird, which stands about 1.3 metres tall.
Are secretary birds endangered?
Yes. Its status was raised from vulnerable to endangered in 2020 because of a rapid decline across its range.
What does a martial eagle eat?
More than 170 prey species are recorded, including hares, hyraxes, guineafowl, monitor lizards and small antelope.
Where can I see them in Kenya?
Open grassland and savanna suit secretary birds; wooded savanna and thornbush suit martial eagles. Ask your guide for current sightings.
Want help planning? Talk to our team and tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see.
Facts checked on 5 November 2026 from Wikipedia’s secretary bird and martial eagle entries (secondary sources citing IUCN assessments). Status can change, so check IUCN for the latest.
