secretary bird

noun

1. a large, long-legged, raptorial bird, Sagittarius serpentarius, of Africa, that feeds on reptiles.

secretary bird

noun

1. a large African long-legged diurnal bird of prey, Sagittarius serpentarius, having a crest and tail of long feathers and feeding chiefly on snakes: family Sagittariidae, order Falconiformes (hawks, falcons, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of secretary bird¹

1790–1800; < French secrétaire, perhaps by folk etymology < Sudanese Arabic ṣagr al-ṭēr, equivalent to ṣagr hawk + al the + ṭēr birds (collective)

Word History and Origins

Origin of secretary bird¹

C18: so called because its crest resembles a group of quill pens stuck behind the ear

Example Sentences

"Yes—er—he's quite well again now—quite on his feet again," said the secretary-bird.

From Project Gutenberg

"So you see how it was," I said at last, dropping my voice as Weston, the secretary-bird passed.

From Project Gutenberg

The quaint secretary-bird was often to be seen stalking majestically along, solitary and grotesque, with its high marching action.

From Project Gutenberg

We began to form the nucleus of our small menagerie while still at Walmer; and one of our first acquisitions was a secretary bird.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't suppose he's gone in there to talk to the secretary bird!

From Project Gutenberg