Birds, General Nature, Photography, Safari Experience, Wildlife

The Hamerkop – an Aerial Wizard

Robert Ball November 13, 2024 1

On warm afternoons, Trevor and I often depart from camp with a plan to head straight towards a series of nearby waterholes on our game drives. At this time of day, predators are usually lazing in the shade, but these waterholes can be a hive of activity. Hippos and crocodiles are almost guaranteed, elephants might come down to quench their thirst or enjoy a mud bath, and waterbirds are abundant. One of these birds, the Hamerkop, is a fascinating species that I’d love to introduce.

Twip Hippos Fighting Grant Rodewijk 1 Of 1

Hippos, in particular, can be very entertaining company on a warm afternoon when most other animals are tucked away. Here, we found two young individuals sparring with each other, adding a splash of liveliness to the scene.

The Hamerkop, easily recognizable by its hammer-shaped head and large brown body, is a medium-sized wading bird commonly found near rivers, wetlands, and other water systems across sub-Saharan Africa. Its name, “Hamerkop,” comes from Afrikaans and literally means “Hammer Head”—a fitting description of its distinctive silhouette. When excited or alarmed, the feathers on its head can be raised, giving it a striking and somewhat comical appearance.

Easily identifiable with its hammer-shaped head. The feathers of which can be raised, giving it a striking and somewhat comical appearance.

These birds typically forage for food near water, with a diet mainly consisting of fish, amphibians, and crustaceans. Their stealthy movements and sharp eyesight make them particularly effective hunters, especially when it comes to catching Platannas (a type of frog) as they surface for air.

Success! A Hamekop adjusts its vice on a frog (not a platanna) that it successfully caught in the shallows of a waterhole

Recently, during one of these warm afternoons, Trevor, the guests, and I were fortunate enough to witness a Hamerkop in action. It was amazing to watch the bird glide effortlessly just above the water, no more than 10 cm above the surface, patiently waiting for a Platanna to appear. After numerous passes across the water, its persistence was nearly rewarded. A frog surfaced right in front of it, and the Hamerkop dove instantaneously, aiming to snatch its prey. Luck was on the frog’s side this time, as the bird just missed out… but only just!

If you look closely you will see the Platanna surfacing for air just ahead of the Hamerkop

After spotting the frog, the Hamerkop dives into the water in an attempt to catch it with it’s beak

Fortunately for the frog, this time around the Hamerkop missed out.

Nature never ceases to amaze me. These birds have evolved to specialise in hunting using various techniques, the most astonishing of all being what I have just described. A series of 27 images from the above attempt has been condensed into a short 10-second video below, enjoy!

Filed under Birds General Nature Photography Safari Experience Wildlife

About the Author

Robert Ball

Guest contributor

Robbie developed a passion for the African bush from many visits to his family’s small holding in a greater conservancy just outside Johannesburg. Living in the big city his whole life, he always found refuge in the outdoors and has grown to appreciate ...

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