138 THE FALCON 1 , 



THE SECRETARY FALCON, 



How large a bird is the Secretary Falcon ? 



The Secretary Falcon is one of the largest of thfe 

 tribe, being about three feet high from the ground to 

 his head. 



What is the form of this bird ? 



In form this bird resembles both the eagle and 

 the crane. Its head and bill are like those of the ea- 

 gle, while its legs and body are similar to those of the 

 crane. 



Why is this bird called Secretary Falcon ? 



This bird is called Secretary Falcon, because there 

 grow from the back of his head several long feathers,, 

 which make him look like a secretary, or writer, with 

 his pen placed behind his ear. 



Where is this bird found ? 



The Secretary Falcon lives in Africa and Asia, but 

 has not been seen wild in any other country. 



What is its colour ? 



Its colour on the back and breast is bluish white ; 

 the tail is ash coloured, except near the end, where it 

 is black ; around the eyes, the colour is deep orange. 



On what food does this bird live ? 



This Falcon lives chiefly on serpents, in the taking 

 of which he displays a great deal of cunning. 



It would appear from the habits of this singular bird f 

 that Providence had designed him as one of the means 

 of preventing the great increase of serpents in those 

 hot climates, where he is chiefly to be found. In sei- 

 zing these dangerous reptiles, this bird always has 

 regard for his own safety. When he comes to a ser- 

 pent, he is always careful to carry the point of one of 

 his wings forward, in such a manner as to prevent the 



