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Secretary Bird


Secretary Bird
Photo Information
Copyright: Tom Conzemius (pirate) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 473 W: 99 N: 624] (3215)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-08-16
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 20D, 300 mm 1:2.8 with 1.4 CANON extender
Exposure: f/7.1, 1/500 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Map: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-07-01 11:11
Viewed: 1091
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Secretary Bird, Sagittarius serpentarius, is large, mostly terrestrial bird of prey. Endemic to Africa, it is usually found in the open grasslands and savannas of the sub-Sahara. Being of the order falconiformes, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, buzzards, vultures, and harriers, it is so distinctive that it was given its own family, Sagittariidae.

It enjoys a certain fame in Africa, specifically Sudan and South Africa, serving as a prominent emblem on both nations' coats of arms.

The Secretary Bird is instantly recognizable as having an eagle-like body on crane-like legs which increases the bird’s height to around 1.3 m (4 ft) tall. This 140 cm (4.5 ft) long bird has an eagle-like head with a hooked bill, but has rounded wings. Body weight averages at about 3.3 kg (7.3 lbs) and the wingspan is over 2 m (6.6 ft).

From a distance or in flight it resembles a crane more than a bird of prey. The tail has two elongated central feathers that extend beyond the feet during flight, as well as long flat plumage creating a posterior crest. Secretary Bird flight feathers and thighs are black, while most of the coverts are grey with some being white. Sexes look similar to one another as the species exhibits very little sexual dimorphism, although the male has longer head plumes and tail feathers. Adults have a featherless red face as opposed to the yellow facial skin of the young.

Etymology
It likely gets its English name from its crest of long feathers which make it appear to be carrying quill pens behind its ears, as secretaries once did. A more recent hypothesis is that this is a French corruption of the Arabic saqr-et-tair or "hunter-bird."

Sagittarius refers to the same feature, but in this case likened to an archer's arrows. The specific name "serpentarius" recalls the bird's skill as a predator of snakes.
nglen, marhowie, kjpweb has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • trinko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 593 W: 79 N: 323] (4314)
  • [2007-07-01 12:17]

nice composition. colors are good but a bit more constrast might be good. could use a litle sharpening too.

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2411 W: 94 N: 5569] (17712)
  • [2007-07-01 13:56]

Hello Tom,
Yes, I've seen them several times, but never so close. Wonderful and powerful birds. Great photo in beautiful natural light conditions.
Sharp and even eye-contact. Good composition and POV.
Regards,
Peter

Hi Tom,
What a strange but interesting bird. The bird stands out well against the baron background and the detail in it can be seen well.
Cheers,
Debbie

Hi Tom. Good capture of this unique creature. Very good info going along with it. Kudos! Cheers, Klaus

Hi Tom,
This is one of the strangest birds I have ever seen. I would be much impressed to see it in "real". This is a very good capture with superb details, good exposure and pose captured. As usual, your notes are much interesting. Thanks,
Claudine

What a cool shot of the secretary bird Tom. A very pleasing image to view of this strange and odd looking raptor. I've seen video of this birds eating habits and it is anmazing to watch as it attacks snakes hence the latter part of the latin name serpentarius. TFS :)

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2924 W: 34 N: 8671] (32310)
  • [2007-07-02 13:51]

Hi Tom. unusual name for the bird. once again i have not seen this bird so thanks.nice detail and compostion. great legs they have.very well done TFS.good notes to.

Nick..

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-07-03 20:44]

Hello Tom

I am marking the post for now .


Rob

great dof and compo of this secretary bird!a strange elegant bird.
caroline

Stunning shot of this Secretary Bird...just spectacular. A great pose and setting...all very nicely captured by you.

Hi Tom,

This is a very nice picture of a wonderful bird of prey !
Great ligthitng, colors and details !

TFS
Alex

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