Hamerkop

Description:

Yes, it is a common bird in Africa and southwest Arabia... And you have most likely seen it before... But, do you remember why this bird is quite unique? Let me remind you :)

Habitat:

High altitude dry savanna woodlands (prim. Acasia bushes). This was close to a dry creek-bed.

Notes:

Lets start with som basic facts: The hamerkop is a medium-sized wading bird (56 cm long, weighing 470 g). The shape of its head with a curved bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, hence its name. The Hamerkop is usually included in the Ciconiiformes, but might be closer to the Pelecaniformes. It constitutes a family (Scopidae) and genus (Scopus) all on its own because of its unique characteristics. The Hamerkop has partially webbed feet, for unknown reasons. It middle toe is comb-like (pectinated) like a heron's. Its tail is short and its wings are big, wide, and round-tipped; it soars well. When it does so, it stretches its neck forward like a stork or ibis, but when it flaps, it coils its neck back something like a heron. The Hamerkop's behavior is unlike other birds. One unusual feature is that up to ten birds join in "ceremonies" in which they run circles around each other, all calling loudly, raising their crests, fluttering their wings. Another is "false mounting", in which one bird stands on top of another and appears to mount it, but they may not be mates and do not copulate. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/249... uploaded by GeorgiosDedes. The strangest aspect of Hamerkop behavior is the huge nest, sometimes more than 1.5 m across, comprising perhaps 10,000 sticks and strong enough to support a man's weight. The birds decorate the outside with any bright-coloured objects they can find. Here is an exampe: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/897... uploaded by RachaelB These birds are compulsive nest builders, constructing 3 to 5 nests per year whether they are breeding or not. Barn Owls and eagle owls may force them out and take over the nests, but when the owls leave, the Hammerkops may reuse the nests. Snakes, small mammals such as genets, and various birds live in abandoned nests, and weaver birds, mynas, and pigeons may attach their nests to the outside. (wikipedia) They also seem to be adjustable to the environment. I have seen them standing at the bottom of a small waterfall, just waiting to grab the small fish that comes with the streem. One day, I will take nice pictures of this bird "in action".