CINCINNATI ZOO GUIDE 
variously placed by naturalists among the Falconidae and Vul- 
turidae , while it differs from hawks and owls in having feet 
incapable of grasping, and very long legs. It feeds chiefly on 
reptiles of all kinds. It fearlessly attacks the most venomous 
serpents and uses its feet to kill them by striking violent blows 
Secretary Bird 
on the head. It also stuns them by striking with its long wings 
which are armed on the elbow joint with a blunt spur. These 
birds are fed fish and meat in captivity. They are fed live 
snakes once a week to keep them in healthy condition. 
The Crested Screamer (Chauna cristata). Screamers inhabit 
the swamps of South America. They have unwebbed feet, and 
are nearly allied to the geese. The wings are armed with two 
large spurs on each wing, supposed to be useful in defense 
against snakes and animals. They are very capable of domesti¬ 
cation. A pair of these birds has recently been received. 
The Wood Ibis (‘Tantalus loculator). This name is given to a 
