200 
ANIMAL CURIOSITIES 
of long plumes, which arises from the back of 
the head, and looks as if the bird were holding 
some quill pens behind its ears, are characteristic 
features from which it obtains its name. 
Frequently attaining to a stature of four 
feet or more, the secretary bird has for long 
been famed as a killer of venomous snakes, and 
owing to the benefits it renders to mankind 
in this way it receives the protection of special 
laws enacted on its behalf. 
Its diet, however, appears to be a somewhat 
varied one, for in addition to snakes it will also 
eat birds, lizards, rats, small tortoises, locusts, 
grasshoppers and other forms of insect life. 
When attacking a poisonous snake such as 
a cobra, the bird displays a considerable degree 
of caution, evidently being aware of the for¬ 
midable nature of the reptile’s bite. Facing 
its prey it awaits a favourable opportunity 
to commence its onslaught, and when the 
selected moment arrives it delivers forward 
and downward blows with its feet upon the 
reptile’s body. 
Should the bird fail to kill the snake at the 
first effort, it quickly springs backwards out 
of the reach of the infuriated creature, opening 
its wings and holding them in front of itself 
to act as a shield. When it has succeeded 
in dispatching its prey, it wastes no time before 
