Secretary Bird

Secretary Bird (Serpentarius reptilivorus), a South African bird of prey, the sole species of its genus, by some ranked with the Falcons and by others made a distinct family. The total length is about 3 feet; the general hue of the plumage bluish-grey, with some black on the wings and tail. On the head is an erectile crest, which, from its fancied resemblance to pens stuck behind the ear, is said to have given the bird its popular name. The Secretary Bird preys upon venomous serpents and on this account is protected at the Caple, and for the same reason has been introduced into Guadaloupe and Martinique,