Hamerkop

More Information

Hamerkops have monochromatic brown plumage with hints of iridescent purple. These wading birds have a darkly colored, long, flat bill that is slightly hooked at the tip. They use their sturdy bill to catch fish, frogs, rodents, and other small animals.

Did You Know?

Hamerkops build relatively large nests that can support the weight of an adult human.

They were named for their distinctive head, which combines a thick bill in the front and a pointed wedge of feathers in the back.

They perform “false mounting,” where one bird stands on top of another to display dominance without engaging in copulation.