The Secretary Bird is another bird of prey that has a comical gait. They have a very striking plumage and facial colouring as well as a feathered crest. They are said to be called after the 19th Century secretaries who were heavily made up with hair crests held in place by fashioned sticks. An alternative is derived from the habit of male secretaries of the time to put quills in their hats or behind their ears.
Secretary birds are endemic to Africa. They are declining owing to loss of habitat. However, they are respected because they hunt pests like rodents, insects and snakes. Standing up to about 4 feet tall they have the body of a bird of prey and the legs of cranes. They do fly, but are the only other 'pedestrian' bird of prey aside from the Caracara birds. However, they are not falcons like the Caracara, they have their own Family, full name: Sagittariidae Sagittarius serpentarius. This makes them separate from the other birds of prey Families. They have an ancient ancestory paralleling other birds of prey families. Unlike the Caracara they hunt live prey and are efficient killers.
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Another fantastic bird shot - one of my favourite African birds and the detail you have captured is amazing. I hate to be boring but another FAV for me!
