The hamerkop, also called the umbrette, is a medium-sized bird. It is the only living species in the genus Scopus and the family Scopidae. The species and family was long thought to sit with the Ciconiiformes but is now placed with the Pelecaniformes, and its closest relatives are thought to be the pelicans and the shoebill. The shape of its head with a long bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, which has given this species its name after the Afrikaans word for hammerhead. It is a medium-sized waterbird with brown plumage. It is found in mainland Africa, Madagascar and Arabia, living in a wide variety of wetlands, including estuaries, lakesides, fish ponds, riverbanks, and rocky coasts. The hamerkop is a sedentary bird that often shows local movements.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, extending into southwestern Arabia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across freshwater and brackish wetlands including river margins, lakeshores, swamps, marshes, estuaries, rice paddies, reservoirs, and farm ponds. It favors shallow water with muddy or sandy substrates where wading and probing are easy. It also frequents mangroves and coastal lagoons, and readily uses human-modified wetlands such as irrigation canals and fish ponds. Nest sites are typically in large trees, on cliffs, or even artificial structures near water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Hamerkops are famous for building enormous domed stick nests—often over 1.5 m across—that are sturdy enough to be used by owls, snakes, and even small mammals. They perform elaborate social ceremonies with synchronized calling around their nests. Their middle toe has a comb-like edge (pectinate claw) used for preening. Despite their unique look, they are closely related to pelicans and the shoebill.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
The subspecies S. u. minor is smaller and darker.
Hamerkop in flight, with spread tail showing barring
Full view of nest built in the fork of an acacia tree
Individual collecting nesting material at Lake Naivasha, Kenya
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
steady flier with slow wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs, but also gathers in small groups, especially around good feeding or nesting sites. Pairs construct multiple massive domed nests each season and may maintain several simultaneously. Courtship involves mutual displays and ritualized ceremonies near the nest, and both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, nasal yaps and cackles, often given in chorus during group ceremonies at the nest. Also produces rattling and croaking notes, especially when excited or alarmed.
