Which bird of prey is the only living species in the genus Sagittarius?

The secretarybird is the only living species in the genus Sagittarius.

Its scientific name is Sagittarius serpentarius. The bird is a tall African raptor with exceptionally long legs, a crest of elongated feathers and a habit of walking across open grasslands. Unlike many raptors that seize prey from the air or a perch, it often kills snakes and other animals by stamping on them with its powerful feet.

The name “secretarybird” has several proposed explanations, including an old comparison between its crest feathers and quill pens tucked behind the ear. Its genus name, Sagittarius, means “archer” in Latin, though the bird does not shoot prey.

The secretarybird is not an eagle, hawk or crane, despite its crane-like silhouette. Genetic studies place it within Accipitriformes, the raptor order that also includes eagles, hawks, kites and Old World vultures.