Tuesday 5 July 2011

Secretary Bird


Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

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 his or her 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". (Wikipedia)
The long legs, which increases the bird’s height to around 1.3 m tall, help him catching his favourite prey: snakes.
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For more bird shots check Springman's World Bird Wednesday

17 comments:

Unknown said...

He's really something!! Great shot. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

holdingmoments said...

Fascinating looking bird.

theconstantwalker said...

A beautiful bird to see...
And a fantastic landscape.

Jeannette StG said...

From what you have written, not just a bird, but one to reckon with! I can see how both origins of its name could apply:)

Diane said...

I just love these aristocratic birds, great photo. Diane

mick said...

The bird and scenery are beautiful.

FAB said...

A very stately species.

eileeninmd said...

A very cool looking bird. Great capture!

Pat said...

A vwery impressive-looking bird!

Sondra said...

Very large and Impressive!! Awesome landscape behind him also!

Springman said...

Hunter or stanographer one thing is for sure, the naming of this bird was sheer genius. Peace out JM!

Arija said...

So cute with his black leggings. Apart from that, I don't think I would like to be eyeballing him close up since he is not too far from my height.

Joan Elizabeth said...

Thanks for the explanation, I was wondering as soon as I read the name. Love those mountains in the distance.

MaineBirder said...

What a unique bird! Great capture!

Bill S. said...

Wow, what a bird. And snakes become their prey? Great picture.

Crafty Green Poet said...

great photo of a wonderful bird, I saw a pair building a nest in Zimbabwe years ago.

Francisca said...

Okay, JM, this one I wish you had left a little larger. Would like to see this fella up close a bit more...