The secretary bird, a striking raptor from the African continent, captivates observers with its unique appearance and ground-dwelling habits. Unlike many birds of prey that primarily hunt from the air, this species spends most of its time striding across savannas. This distinctive bird has long intrigued people, not least for its unusual name.
The Distinctive Appearance of the Secretary Bird
The secretary bird is a large, terrestrial bird, standing approximately 0.9 to 1.2 meters (3 to 4 feet) tall on its long, crane-like legs. Its robust body is covered predominantly in light bluish-grey plumage, contrasted by black flight feathers, thighs, and a wedge-shaped tail with white tips. A notable feature is its bare, featherless face, which is typically red-orange in adults.
Its most recognizable feature is the crest of long, black feathers that extend from the back of its head. These erectile nape feathers give the bird a distinctive silhouette. Its small head bears a hooked beak, and its powerful legs are equipped with tough scales. Unlike other raptors, its toes are short and blunt, enabling it to strike prey effectively with its feet rather than grasping.
Unraveling the Name’s Origin
The origin of the secretary bird’s name has been debated, with two primary theories. The most widely accepted theory links the bird’s appearance to the attire of 19th-century European clerks or secretaries. These individuals commonly tucked quill pens behind their ears while working. The secretary bird’s crest of black feathers, protruding from the back of its head, visually resembled these quill pens. This resemblance, coupled with its grey and black plumage, led to the comparison.
A less common theory suggests the name is a corruption of an Arabic term. This hypothesis proposes that “secretary” might stem from “saqr-et-tair” or “saqr-e-tariq,” meaning “hunter bird” or “traveling hunter”. This Arabic origin theory highlights the bird’s skilled hunting abilities, aligning with its Latin scientific name, Sagittarius serpentarius, which translates to “serpent-killer”. The visual association with quill pens remains the more popular explanation for the bird’s common English name.
Where Secretary Birds Roam
Secretary birds are native to sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting a wide range across the continent. They are generally non-migratory and prefer open grasslands, savannas, and shrubland environments. These birds thrive in areas with scattered acacia trees and short grasses, which allow them clear visibility while they forage. Their habitat extends from Senegal in the west to Somalia in the east, and southwards to the Western Cape of South Africa. They avoid dense forests and extremely arid regions, favoring open terrain for hunting.