Hamerkop

Hamerkops are primarily fish and frog-eaters. They may stir up water or flap their wings to scare prey out of hiding. They are also able to catch food while flying by snagging fish as they glide over the water!

Stable

Threatened

Endangered

Animal Facts

Scientific Name

Scopus umbretta

Range

Africa, Madagascar, and Arabia

Location in the Zoo

Birds of the World

Cool Animal Fact

Hamerkops build the largest nest of any bird in Africa! Pairs build their large, dome-shaped nest together. It is completely enclosed with one entrance hole. The nests are made using up to 8,000 different items and can weigh up to 50 pounds. In addition, many other species of small mammals, birds, and reptiles may take up residence in or around hamerkop nests as well.