The backward-pointing crest of the hamerkop gives it its alternate name: hammerhead. Found in the woodlands and wetlands of Africa, the hamerkop is a wading bird famous for its enormous, domed nest. The birds plaster the inside walls of their home with mud, and these nests often weigh up to 100 pounds.
The nest's entrance hole is on the side. The hamerkops live inside their nest, not on top of it. Other birds might build nests on top of the hammerkops' nest!
Hamerkops have magical significance in Africa, and it’s considered bad luck to harm them. This may be one of the reasons they are not endangered! It’s said that hammerkops are the origin of more myths than any other bird.
You can see hamerkops at the Safari Park's Wings of the World aviary.
