The Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a large, unique bird of prey endemic to the open grasslands and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike most raptors, this species is almost entirely terrestrial, spending its days walking across the landscape in search of food. Its striking appearance—tall, crane-like legs topped by the body of a raptor—makes it instantly recognizable. The bird’s unusual common name has long prompted questions about its connection to a human profession.
The Etymology of the Name
The most popular theory for the bird’s name stems from a visual comparison made by early European naturalists in the 18th century. They noted that the bird’s distinctive black crest feathers, which project backward from the nape, strongly resembled the quill pens that 18th and 19th-century office clerks, or secretaries, routinely tucked behind their ears. This interpretation was formally suggested as early as 1780 by the French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon.
The genus name, Sagittarius, is Latin for “archer,” which may reference the quill-like feathers resembling arrows or the bird’s long-legged stance.
A less accepted alternative theory suggests the name is a linguistic corruption. This hypothesis posits that “secretary” is a mispronunciation of the Arabic phrase saqr-et-tair, which translates roughly to “hunter bird” or “hawk that flies.” This linguistic transmission is debated and considered less plausible than the quill-pen theory.
The Visual Resemblance to an Office Clerk
The visual comparison extends beyond the head feathers to the bird’s overall plumage. The long crest is composed of 10 to 20 specialized black feathers, which can be raised when the bird is excited or laid flat, maintaining the look of pens stored for later use. This distinct head plume is set against a pale gray body plumage.
The bird’s coloration also mirrors the formal wear of an old-fashioned clerk. Its light gray body was likened to a tailcoat, while the black flight feathers and the black feathers covering the upper legs resemble the dark, knee-length breeches worn at the time. The Secretary Bird possesses the longest legs of any raptor species, contributing to its towering height of up to 4.5 feet.
The Unique Hunting Style
The Secretary Bird is set apart from other raptors by its highly specialized, terrestrial hunting method. It hunts exclusively on foot, traversing the African grasslands for up to 32 kilometers a day in search of prey. It feeds on insects, small mammals, and reptiles, but is most famous for its ability to hunt venomous snakes.
The bird’s technique involves stomping or kicking its prey with incredible speed and force to incapacitate it. Researchers have recorded the force of this strike to be up to five times the bird’s body weight, or about 195 Newtons, delivered in an extremely brief contact time of 10 to 15 milliseconds. This rapid, powerful strike relies on precise visual targeting and pre-programmed motor control, allowing the bird to deliver a fatal blow to the prey’s head while maintaining a safe distance from a snake’s fangs. The bird’s long legs are covered in thick scales for protection.