Secretary Bird (Sagittarus serpentarius)

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The Secretary bird gets its name from the twenty long crest feathers that it can raise or lower as it wishes. They resemble the quill pens that secretaries used to carry behind their ears. The Latin Sagittarius, however, recalls an archer with his quiver of arrows. Whatever their origins, unusual names seem well merited by this very unusual bird. Eagle-sized, with very long legs, long central tail feathers, and the unmistakably ornamented head, the Secretary bird is unlike any other bird of prey.

Grasslands and sparsely wooded savanna are the Secretary Bird's preferred habitats. Although it can fly well it spends most of its day on foot, patrolling its territory at a steady pace in search of prey. Now and then it bursts into a quicker, stamping gait - probably to try and startle prey into moving. Once spotted, most victims are seized in the bill after a quick dash, but larger animals may be killed with blows from the feet. Secretary Birds have a reputation for taking snakes, and these do indeed form a part of its food. This can be observed in this artwork.

Overhead, a Secretary Bird shows a distinctive silhouette, with broad wings, and the long tail and legs projecting behind. Courtship displays offer a chance to observe this outline at leisure, as the bird, singly or together, soar high in the sky uttering strange groaning calls.