Scopidae

The Scopidae are a family of African wading birds, consisting of a single species: the hammerkop (Scopus umbretta). This bird is about 60 cm (2 feet) long and is a uniform umber or earthy brown color. It has a distinctive horizontal crest on the back of its large head, a heavy, hooked bill, and short legs.123

The hammerkop is found in Africa south of the Sahara, as well as on Madagascar and in southwestern Arabia. It is active at twilight, feeding on mollusks, frogs, small fish, and aquatic insects. A notable characteristic of the hammerkop is its enormous nest, constructed from sticks, which can be up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) across and 1.2 meters (4 feet) high. This dome-shaped nest has a side entrance and a tunnel leading to a central chamber lined with mud. The bird lays three to six chalky-white eggs. The taxonomic classification of the hammerkop is uncertain, with some studies suggesting a closer relationship to pelicans than to storks or herons.32