secretary bird

/ˈsɛkɹəˌtɛɹɪ bɜːd/

UK: /ˈsɛkɹəˌtɛɹɪ bɜːd/

secretary bird

English Noun

Definition

A large terrestrial bird of prey, Sagittarius serpentarius, native to Africa with very long legs that preys on reptiles, especially snakes.

Etymology

Probably so named because its crest of long feathers resembles quill pens stuck behind the ears of an office clerk. Alternatively, possibly from Arabic صَقْر اَلطَّائِر (ṣaqr aṭ-ṭāʔir, “hunter bird”), from صَقْر (ṣaqr, “falcon, hawk”) طَائِر (ṭāʔir, “bird”).