HAMMERKOP
(Scopus umbretta)
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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