The Hamerkop
The Hamerkop (Scopus umbrette) is a distinctive silent bird species commonly known as the Hammerhead or Hammerhead Stork and one of Africa’s most intriguing and unique bird species. These extraordinary species come from a monotypic family and are restricted to Africa. This unique bird species can easily be differentiated from other species due to its unique and rare shape.
While in its gliding flight, it may suggest a small eagle or other raptor when soaring, but its long-billed silhouette rules out any confusion. They are single birds, though they can appear in pairs as well, and oftentimes flocks are common and widely spread beside a wide range of waters, from the tiny seasonal or temporary roadside pools to the largest Rift Valley lakes.
Pairs always build several vast tree nests, which they often share or lose to several species such as the Egyptian goose, grey kestrel, Verreaux’s eagle-owl, and others. It is a courageous and fearless bird species that is not afraid of anything. They are often nomadic in drier country zones, responding to local rains and climate change.
They have loud, distinctive trilling calls, incorporating dominant yip-prurr notes, often with several birds calling in groups. While in flight, they make a sharp, far-carrying “Kyip.”
This medium sized bird species gets its name from its unique hammer-shaped head and stretching crest; and the only living species in the genus scopus and the Scopidae family, although many people think that this distinctive wader bonds the line between herons and storks and herons but independent from these bird species.
The Hamerkop is mainly found in Africa around wetlands, rivers, estuaries, fish ponds, lake sides, rocky areas, channel and river banks and many others. This bird species is a master architect of the bird world due to its unique and amazing nest construction skills. It builds large and strong nests of about 1.5 meters wide, capable of supporting human weight.
It has a dull brown color with a long crest extending at the back and a flattened bill, giving it a hammer-headed appearance. Both males and females are similar; however, males may appear slightly larger in size.
The dome-shaped nests are designed from reeds, mud, and sticks and are so small that even other birds and often other small animals use them after the Hamerkop vacates this nest for good. Due to this mastery and tapestry in construction, their constant building behavior has earned them a place in African folklore, where they are considered magical, as symbols of ill omen, although others suggest that they are birds of rain and good fortune, but occasionally victimized.
The Hamerkop feed mainly on fish, insects, frogs, other amphibians, and aquatic species. Being a sedentary bird species, it plays a vital role in controlling the ecosystem since it takes a wide range of prey especially in water lodged areas such as swamps, ponds, river banks, among others.
This bird species is a diurnal species that is more active during the day and normally rests during the noon hours due to the scorching sun leading to high temperatures. However, they can be a little active during twilight but not nocturnal as it may be stressed.
Conclusion
Its graceful appearance and evocative call always remind you how every wildlife species, contributes tirelessly to the intricate web of life. Therefore, protecting wetlands, and other habitats ensures this remarkable “feathered engineer” continues to thrive in the wild.
