See also: secretarybird

English edit

 
geographic distribution of the secretary bird
 
secretary bird

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

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).

Pronunciation edit

Noun edit

secretary bird (plural secretary birds)

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

Translations edit

Further reading edit