Hamerkop
Scopus umbrettaGeographic Region:Wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and coastal Arabia
Isn’t it wild?The hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) is one of Africa’s most eccentric and mysterious birds. Sitting in its own unique taxonomic family, it looks like a cross between a small stork and a heron, but its behavior is unlike either. It is perhaps most famous for being the animal kingdom’s most ambitious architect.
The World’s Biggest Nest: Hamerkops build the largest roofed nests of any bird in the world. A single nest can be 5 feet wide and deep, contain over 8,000 sticks, and weigh up to 100 lbs (45 kg). They are so sturdy that a full-grown human can stand on top of one without it breaking.
Details
Length: 20 inches
Weight: 1 lb
Tadpoles, frogs, fish shrimp, insects and small mammals
Least Concern
Savanna
Exhibit information
Did you know that you can go on safari right here in Rhode Island? View rare and exotic species from far away Africa.
Throughout your adventure, learn how the people, land, and animals of Africa are all interconnected and interdependent while watching zebras, cheetahs, red river hogs, and more in action.
Observe elephants swimming in a waterhole and Masai giraffes reaching high into the trees for a leafy snack.
Can’t find the elephants or giraffes? Head into the Textron Elephant & Giraffe Pavilion. Inside you may catch an elephant bath or training session in progress. You can also learn how Roger Williams Park Zoo cares for animals, both here at the Zoo and out in the wild.
