Scopidae

A single-species family of African wading bird, containing only Hammerkop (Scopus umbretta). The common name comes from the Afrikaans hamerkop, meaning 'hammerhead', and refers to the shape created by the bird's long bill and stiff crest. Hammerkops are notable both for their strange appearance and for their spectacularly large nests, which are often usurped by other bird species during construction, or used by other animals after being abandoned.

Additional information  

Hammerkop is active by day and at dusk. Birds forage alone or in pairs, but may gather in roosts of up to 50 individuals. They prefer to forage by wading in shallow water. They may use their feet or flap their wings to flush out prey, which they then seize with the bill. They may also use their bill to probe the muddy substrate, like an ibis. In addition, they may glean prey from just under the water's surface as they fly. The birds may fly like storks, with the neck outstretched, or may tuck in the neck heron-style. They are often seen performing a unique 'false mounting' display; thought to have social significance.

Monogamous and rather territorial; nesting can occur year-round. Pairs often build several nests in a season, then select a new nest or one built the previous season. The nest is an elaborate, domed structure up to 1.8m across, made of sticks and vegetation, fortified with mud, and placed in a large tree or on a cliff ledge. It has an entrance on the underside, with an entrance tunnel leading to a nest chamber. Despite the fortified nest and fairly large clutches (3-7 eggs), broods seem to have a very low survival rate.

Taxonomy

Hammerkop is traditionally of uncertain affinities, with similarities to storks, herons, and ibis. Recent genetic analyses suggest that it is most closely related to Shoebill (family Balaenicipitidae) and to the pelicans (Pelecanidae).