secretary bird

noun

: a large long-legged bird of prey (Sagittarius serpentarius of the family Sagittariidae) of sub-Saharan Africa that feeds largely on reptiles

Illustration of secretary bird

Illustration of secretary bird

Examples of secretary bird in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Why doesn’t the secretary bird leverage talons or beaks like others do? — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2026 While their signature feather crown and slender legs give these birds a regal air, the secretary bird is more mobster than monarch. — Michael Cross; Story By Tom Page, CNN, 9 July 2020 The presence of humans—mainly herders—is known to interfere with secretary bird breeding. — National Geographic, 26 June 2020 Escaping a sudden, massive flood, a smart, mischievous black cat clambers aboard a boat shared by a dog, a capybara, and a lemur, as well as a long-legged secretary bird. — Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably from the resemblance of its crest to a bunch of quill pens stuck behind the ear

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of secretary bird was in 1824

Rhymes for secretary bird

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Browse Nearby Words

secretary at war
secretary bird
secretary-general
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Cite this Entry

“Secretary bird.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secretary%20bird. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on secretary bird

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about secretary bird

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