: a large long-legged bird of prey (Sagittarius serpentarius of the family Sagittariidae) of sub-Saharan Africa that feeds largely on reptiles
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Escaping a sudden, massive flood, a smart, mischievous black cat clambers aboard a boat shared by a dog, a capybara, and a lemur, as well as a long-legged secretary bird.—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 2 Mar. 2025 The presence of humans—mainly herders—is known to interfere with secretary bird breeding.—National Geographic, 26 June 2020 While their signature feather crown and slender legs give these birds a regal air, the secretary bird is more mobster than monarch.—Michael Cross; Story By Tom Page, CNN, 9 July 2020 The secretary bird is distinguished by its long legs and a dramatic black crest of feathers on the back of its head.—National Geographic, 26 June 2020 The secretary bird is the tallest bird of prey in the world.—National Geographic, 26 June 2020
Word History
Etymology
probably from the resemblance of its crest to a bunch of quill pens stuck behind the ear
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