Hamerkop

Although this is a medium sized bird it builds a huge nest of about 1m or more in height and near the bottom third, has a small hole for an entrance.

It gets its name from the hammer-like head.

Hamerkop nests take about 6 months to construct and almost anything is used as material to do so including bits of bone, material etc. although mostly it consists of branches and twigs. The same site is used by them year after year unless it is damaged or invaded by some kind of predator.

Found throughout SA near inland rivers, streams, dams and waterways.


Mainly eats tadpoles and fish.

Clutch normally 5 eggs which hatch in 28-32 days.

Info: Robert’s Birds of Southern Africa