Hamerkops
Meet the smallest species of stork. We are home to males ‘Homer’, ‘Jack’, and ‘Sledge’, and females ‘MC Hammer’ and ‘Stella’.
With a name like a hammer, this bird knows how to build
Hamerkops are known for their impressive, domed nests, which are the largest nests made by any bird species in Africa. Pairs build nests together out of twigs and other materials, and they can weigh over 22 kilograms. During their courtship ritual, males may engage in elaborate displays, including pretending to mate with females, but true mating occurs once the nest is under construction.
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (at relatively low risk of extinction)
- Type: Bird
- Habitat: A variety of habitats throughout sub-Saharan Africa
- Diet: Carnivore – amphibians, fish, and insects
- Size: 56 centimetres long
- Weight: 415 to 430 grams
facts about our animals
Fun Facts about Hamerkops
Hamerkops can be found in various habitats so long as water is accessible, including forests, semi-arid deserts, ponds, dams, and irrigation tunnels.
This is a species of wading bird that forages in shallow water.
During courtship, hamerkops dance and give a cackling call.
A finished hamerkop nest may contain over 8,000 pieces.
Smaller birds, snakes, and lizards may live in a hamerkops nest, even when it is home to a hamerkop family.
Because of their long bills, hamerkops do not submerge their heads to get food.
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