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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Hammerkop (Scopus umbretta)
Physical Characteristics:
The Hammerkop is a dusky brown water bird about the size of a cattle egret--about 20 inches long. It has a superficial resemblance to both herons and storks. It is neither, but rather a distinct species in a separate family.
Its thick square crest is the origin of its name. Hammerkop means hammerhead in Dutch. It has black legs and a black bill tipped with hook.
The bird's short tail and large wings enable it to soar and glide easily, which it does with its head stretched forward. Sexes are alike.
The Hammerkop vocalizes with a series of shrill piping whistles. When several birds are communicating, the noise is loud and distracting.
Distribution and Habitat:
It resides throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar and Yemen in suitable localities, occurring on inland waters, especially slowly-running streams. Lake margins and marshes are also common habitats.
In Kenya it is common along the Athi River in Nairobi National Park and in the Amboseli National Park.
Behavior:
It is a sedentary species, remaining in a well-defined territory, although some pairs will move to normally dry areas when the seasonal rain fills ditches and holes.
They are usually seen in pairs. In courtship two, three, or more birds dance, call, hop on each other's backs, stretch their wings, and raise their crests. The Hammerkop is thought to have supernatural powers by indigenous people.
Diet:
The Hammerkop feeds largely on frogs and tadpoles. Fish, insects and crustaceans are also taken.
African Superstition:
The hammerkop is viewed by many African tribes people with superstitious awe. They will go so far as to remove their huts if a hammerkop is seen to fly directly overhead.
Picture taken at the Honolulu Zoo |
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Hi Stephan,
Sharp shot with very nice OOF colors seen in your BG..
Great DOF and exposed well.
Hope you find an ID :)
Well done.
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