The secretary bird is a fairly common sight in sub-Sahara Africa. I photographed this one in the Masai Mara of Kenya. They are mostly spotted on the ground but also in trees. The secretary bird is quite tall, reaching more than four feet. It has been described as having an eagle like body and head, atop crane like legs. As for the name, I will quote from Wikipedia — “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 their ear, as was once common 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, and the specific epithet serpentarius recalls the bird’s skill as a hunter of reptiles.” Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 400, f/6.3 at 1/1600th of a second
That is one crazy looking bird, Sean. I love its legs which appear to be clad in a type of abbreviated jodhpurs! Observing a secretary bird will definitely find its way to my sub-Saharan Africa bucket list. Thanks for sharing.
—– Multi tasking is my forte
—– Which gives my face
—– Its hue
—– Can read can write
—– Do my numbers too
—– Juggle snakes between my toes
—– At end of day an Oolong tea
—– I’ll make
—– Just to pleasure you .
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The secretary bird is a fairly common sight in sub-Sahara Africa. I photographed this one in the Masai Mara of Kenya. They are mostly spotted on the ground but also in trees. The secretary bird is quite tall, reaching more than four feet. It has been described as having an eagle like body and head, atop crane like legs. As for the name, I will quote from Wikipedia — “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 their ear, as was once common 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, and the specific epithet serpentarius recalls the bird’s skill as a hunter of reptiles.”
That is one crazy looking bird, Sean. I love its legs which appear to be clad in a type of abbreviated jodhpurs! Observing a secretary bird will definitely find its way to my sub-Saharan Africa bucket list. Thanks for sharing.
great pic. ) is this bird able fly? ) or does jusgt run at 40 miles a hour. ? )
Those legs look like stilts. Or even crutches.
—– Multi tasking is my forte
—– Which gives my face
—– Its hue
—– Can read can write
—– Do my numbers too
—– Juggle snakes between my toes
—– At end of day an Oolong tea
—– I’ll make
—– Just to pleasure you .
Wow that is awesome. I have never heard of this bird. It is not only unique but beautiful. Thanks for sharing
I had no idea they were birds of prey. What an odd looking BOP. Great shot!