Secretary Bird by cfulton
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Description
The Secretary Bird, Sagittarius serpentarius, is a large, mostly terrestrial bird of prey. Endemic to Africa, it is usually found in the open grasslands and savannah of the sub-Sahara.
Its common name is popularly thought to derive from the crest of long quill-like feathers, lending the bird the appearance of a secretary with quill pens tucked behind his or her ear, as was once the practice. A more recent hypothesis is that "secretary" is borrowed from a French corruption of the Arabic saqr-et-tair or "hunter-bird."
The generic name "Sagittarius" is Latin for "archer," perhaps likening the Secretary Bird's "quills" to a quiver of arrows. Its specific epithet - "serpentarius" - recalls the bird's skill as a hunter of reptiles.
Wikipedia
This was quite a demonstration we saw, the bird hunting a rubber snake with meat attached to the head. I would not like to receive a stomp from this bird. It kills a snake by smashing its skull with a well aimed downward kick.
Be nice to the secretary!
Clive
Comments (9)
bmac62
Looks ungainly but you've presented him/her very well.
BessieB
I really do like these birds, you have produced a great shot
MrsLubner
This is a most delightful look at a very odd bird. His position accents the head feather's beautifully.
MrsRatbag
Fantastic shot!
danapommet
Majestic capture Clive and great notes.
praep
Nice shot. Those birds are very interesting.
lucindawind
ohh hes s lovely bird ! wonderful shot !
kgb224
Stunning capture Clive.
debbielove
A brilliant picture and what sounds like a amazing demo! Question, my friend!! Was the bird behind wire or is the wire behind the bird? Well done! Rob.