The video captures the unique method of a kite bird hunting snakes by using its feet to kick the prey. This hunting technique is considered unparalleled in the animal kingdom.
The kite bird is a large predatory bird that primarily lives on the ground. It is native to Africa and is often found in grasslands and sparsely wooded savannahs in the sub-Saharan region. It is also known as the secretary bird due to the tuft of feathers on its head resembling the quills or pens on the head of medieval European secretaries.
This bird species measures around 112-150cm in length, with a raptor-like head and a curved beak. The kite bird mainly hunts for prey while walking or running. Its prey includes insects, small mammals, lizards, snakes, nestling birds, and occasionally carrion from forest fires. They rarely prey on larger herbivorous animals, although there have been reports of kite birds attacking and killing antelopes.
Kite birds employ two distinct feeding strategies when they are on the ground. They either chase and use their beak to peck at the prey or step on the prey until it becomes stunned or unconscious enough to be swallowed. This strategy of using their feet to attack and immobilize the prey is truly remarkable in nature.
