| HAMMERKOP (Scopus umbretta) |
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| Range: | Africa south of the Sahara, Madagascar and southwest Arabia. |
| Habitat: | Wetland areas. |
| Diet: | Fish, frogs, rodents and similar small animals. |
| Status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Approx. Dimensions of Adult: |
Length: : 20 inches |
| Offspring: | Lay 3-6, whitish eggs that are incubated for 30 days. |
![]() The Hammerkop, also known as the Hammerhead (Dutch translation), Hammerhead stork, or Anvilhead, is a medium-sized bird with a long shaggy crest. The shape of its head with a curved bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, hence its name. Its plumage is a drab brown all over. The Hammerkop builds a huge haystack-like stick nest nearly 2 m across in a tree fork, and lays 3 to 6 eggs. The nest is reused each year, getting larger and larger as the Hammerkop renovates it. The entrance to the nest remains at the bottom, to deter potential predators. |
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