THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



149 



Secretary-bird (Serpentanidce). 



Diagnosis. — A bird of eagle-like aspect, hut with very long 

 legs like a wader's. 



Size. — Large, about that of a hen -turkey, but with much 

 longer legs; 



Form. — Head much as in an eagle, with strong hooked 

 bill, but with the eyes furnished with eye-lashes ; 

 wings long ; shanks long, but the legs are feathered 

 above the hock, not bare there as m most long- 

 legged birds ; four toes, the three front ones all 

 joined at the base by a short web ; tail long, the 

 two centre feathers much the longest ; neck long, 

 body light ; legs feathered down to hocks. 



Plumage and Colouration. — Mostly grey, with black 

 quills and thighs ; sides of face bare, a long 

 straggly drooping crest at back of head ; sexes 

 nearly alike ; young duller, the black thighs 

 pencilled with white. 



Young. — Helpless, covered with white down and fed 

 by parents ; said not to be able even to stand for 

 months. 



Nest. — A large open structure of sticks, placed in a 

 tree. 



Eggs. — Two or three ; white, marked with reddish. 



Incubation. — Six weeks. 



Food. — Reptiles, including poisonous snakes, and small 

 ground birds and beasts. They strike their prey 

 with one foot as if with a hammer. 



Gait. — A stately walk, or a very quick run ; they can 

 keep this pace up for a long time. 



Flight. — Stately in appearance, but not enduring ; 

 swift dogs can run them down. 



Disposition and Habits. — Harmless except to animals 

 small enough to eat ; easily tamed; 



Note. — A guttural rattling cry. 



