Found in Africa, it is a large odd looking bird that walks most of the time, but can fly.
2007-03-20 01:16:01 · 7 answers · asked by Chris P 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
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
2007-03-20 03:46:38 · answer #1 · answered by tHe_TaStE_oF_mInD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kbug is correct. It's the feathers on the head. In the old days, secretaries would put pens and pencils in their hair. It was the female version of the office geek today, with the pens and pencils in their pocket. The bird looks like an old style secretary. Take good shorthand too, but don't ask them to sit on your lap.
2007-03-20 02:09:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the configuration of the crest. Those long feathers look like pen quills tucked behind the ear of a secretary.
BTW, they were named "secretary" before the invention of the typewriter.
2007-03-20 07:07:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because way back when they discovered it they thought the feathers on it's head looked like pens behind someone's ear so that's all I know, I really still don't know how they got secretary but whatever.
2007-03-20 01:23:22 · answer #4 · answered by KBug 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand they eat snakes. They kill them by stomping on them. They have very fast feet. Anyway, when they are stomping on a snake, it looks like a secretary's fingers typing.
2007-03-20 01:24:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because it takes great dictation......
;-0
2007-03-20 01:19:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
blue sky is correct.
2007-03-20 01:46:07 · answer #7 · answered by Serry's mum 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋