Scopidae – Hamerkop

The only member of its family, which has two subspecies. This waterbird is easy to spot because its feathers are all brown, and its head is distinctly shaped like a hammer.

This species likes to nest in a wide range of wetlands with trees. It mainly eats aquatic invertebrates, such as fish, shrimp, bugs, and small mammals. During the day, it hunts alone or with another bird.

The Hamerkop is known for its big nest made of sticks that sits on the fork of a tree. Both parents take care of the nest. The Hamerkop lives in many shallow wetland areas. It likes to live near lakes, marshes, rice fields, fish ponds, and rocky shores with slow-moving water. It can also be found in savannas and forests.