Hammerkop
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| Scopus umbretta Gmelin, 1789 |
The Hammerkop (Scopus umbretta) is a medium-sized (56cm) 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.
It occurs in Africa south of the Sahara, Madagascar and southwest Arabia in all wetland habitats including rice paddies. Normally it is seen alone or as a pair. The food is typical of long-legged wading birds, including fish, frogs, rodents and similar small animals.
It builds a huge haystack-like stick nest nearly 2m across in a tree fork, and lays 3 to 6 eggs. The nest is reused each year. It has a noisy call.
The Hamerkop is usually included in the Ciconiiformes, but might be closer to the Pelecaniformes[citation needed]. It constitutes a family (Scopidae) and genus (Scopus) all on its own because of its unique characteristics.
[edit] Media
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[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Scopus umbretta. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
[edit] External links
- Hamerkop videos on the Internet Bird Collection
