Hamerkop
Scopus umbretta
Hamerkops are relatives of herons, storks and flamingos. They are so named because of their ‘hammer like’ head.
Measurements
Size: 50 - 56cm
Weight: 400 - 430g
Habitat
Hamerkops are found throughout most of Africa and Madagascar. They favour slowly running streams and rivers, lakes and marshes.
Diet
Hamerkops feed mainly on frogs and tadpoles but will also eat fish and aquatic insects. They mainly hunt in the evening.
Breeding
Hamerkops are remarkable for their gigantic nests, which can be as big as 1.8m (6 foot) in diameter! These are usually built in tree forks near water. In the inside compartment of the nest, they lay 3 - 6 small whitish eggs.
Conservation
The hamerkop is not classed as endangered, however they are threatened by pollution from pesticides and hunting for traditional medicine in Nigeria.
Threat Level
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