How does the Secretary bird catch snakes?

The Secretary bird prefer to walk around looking for its prey rather than to fly. As a result its feet are less adapted for killing. The Secretary bird strides around African grasslands on its long legs hoping to disturb its prey. It catches insects, small mammals and lizards, but it is best known for eating snakes. It attacks a snake by shielding itself with open wings and trampling and battering the snake with its feet. Its long scaly legs give it good protection and eventually the snake is beaten to death.