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.
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!
![Hamerkop Diving For Plattana [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/10110410/Hamerkop-Diving-for-Plattana-RCB-1598x1065.jpg)
If you look closely you will see the Platanna surfacing for air just ahead of the Hamerkop
![Hamerkop Diving For Plattana [rcb] (9)](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/10114950/Hamerkop-Diving-for-Plattana-RCB-9-1598x1065.jpg)
After spotting the frog, the Hamerkop dives into the water in an attempt to catch it with it’s beak
![Hamerkop Diving For Plattana [rcb] (15)](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/10110327/Hamerkop-Diving-for-Plattana-RCB-15-1598x1065.jpg)
Fortunately for the frog, this time around the Hamerkop missed out.
What amazing photos!!!!
Hamerkop are in my top five birds, along with Southern ground hornbill, hoopoe, secretary birds and kingfishers.
Robert, beautiful pictures of the hammerkop.
What a cool looking bird Robert, and the images of the Hammerkop hunting were amazing !!
He has a pelican vibe 😉 Great header shot!
Great images, what an interesting bird, it is impressive. I love the hippo photo too, the wild fighters of water!
I love watching the hamerkop in action and really enjoyed seeing your video of its hunting attempt. They’re a distinctive bird and easy to recognize for non- birders!
Magnificent shot of the outstretched flight wings of the hamerkop! I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in the air. Love the frog-eating image as well!
Thanks for these amazing photos and video of the Hammerkop. It is quite a unique bird and as you say Robbie, always near water to catch it’s prey.
I love their black eyes. They look large for their body, and it gives them a certain cuteness, even though they aren’t birds I would typically describe as cute. It’s always fun to see images of birds in action.