Least Concern Birds

Hamerkop

Scopus umbretta

Hamerkop has a hammer-shaped head, found near African wetlands and rivers.

Scientific name	Scopus umbretta
Swahili name	Kongoni wa Msumeno
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Ciconiiformes
Family	Scopidae
Size	Male: approximately 0.4-0.6 kg; Female: approximately 0.4-0.6 kg

See this species in the app

How to identify

Distinctive hammer-shaped head; brown body plumage with fine feather patterns; broad wings forming a triangular shape in flight; long, slightly curved bill adapted for catching aquatic prey; short tail feathers with a fan-shaped tail

Habitat

Wetlands, river edges, swamps, shallow lakes, and areas near open woodland savannas

Diet

Primarily feeds on fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates; carnivorous

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and parts of southern Africa; commonly found in Masai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Observe at dawn or dusk along wetland edges or shallow waters; watch for nesting behavior, as hamerkops build large, complex, and very conspicuous nests

Photography tips

Use soft morning light to photograph, capturing nesting and feeding behavior; use telephoto lenses to avoid disturbance; wetland backgrounds help highlight their natural habitat