Hamerkop

Scopus umbretta

The Hamerkop is a unique bird known for its hammer-shaped head. It builds huge nests that can be as big as a car! This bird loves to live near water and is often seen wading in shallow ponds.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Hamerkop has dull brown plumage and a unique head shape that resembles a hammer due to a crest at the back and a thick bill. It is a medium-sized bird with a relatively short neck and sturdy legs, blending well into its wetland environments.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyScopidaeGenusScopus

Photo: Joachim HuberCC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsView original ↗

Hamerkop

Interesting facts

Hamerkops perform unique 'water dances' in small groups.

Legend says Hamerkops can predict storms, a feathered forecaster!

Some Hamerkop nests are strong enough to hold a human!

They often build 'decoy' nests to fool potential predators.

Special abilities

Hamerkops can construct enormous, dome-shaped nests over 1.5 meters wide because of their strong building instincts.

Hamerkops can create shadows with their wings that help them attract and confuse small fish for easier hunting.

Hamerkops are able to locate and catch aquatic prey because of their keen eyesight in shallow, often murky, water.

Measurements & details

Length: 50-56 cm
Wingspan: 90-98 cm
Weight: 0.43-0.47 kg
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Speed: 45 km/h
Clutch Size: 3-7
Incubation: 28-32 days

Diet & Feeding

Hamerkops mainly eat small aquatic animals like fish, frogs, and insects from shallow water.

Primary Foods

fish
tadpoles
frogs
insect larvae
small crustaceans

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

Hunts

Nile Tilapia

Oreochromis niloticus

A common fish prey item.

Hunts

African Clawed Frog

Xenopus laevis

Preys on adults and tadpoles.

Eaten by

Nile Crocodile

Crocodylus niloticus

Can prey on foraging Hamerkops.

Eaten by

African Rock Python

Python sebae

Eggs and chicks are vulnerable.

Traits

Feathered

Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.

Social

Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.

Omnivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.

Filter Feeder

Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water.

Tool Use

This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.

Diurnal

Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.

Keystone Species

Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Birds

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Hamerkop?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Hamerkop?

50-56 cm

What is Hamerkop's wingspan?

90-98 cm

How much does Hamerkop weigh?

0.43-0.47 kg

How long does Hamerkop live?

15-20 years

How fast can Hamerkop move?

45 km/h

What does Hamerkop eat?

Hamerkops mainly eat small aquatic animals like fish, frogs, and insects from shallow water.