A hamerkop is mot colorful, does not fly spectacular but still is a very special bird……
No, a hamerkop is not a stork. He is the only member of his family, closest relatives are the pelicans. And yes, a couple of hamerkops build the biggest nest of Africa for one couple, and sometimes even more than once a year.
The nest:
- 50 kg, 6,5 feet deep, circumst. 1,5 m!
- 10.000 sticks , mud and grass,
- build in 6 weeks
- can support the weight of an adult human
- also occupied by other animals, even when hamerkops are in residence
The hamerkop:
- Wingspan 37 inches, 2 feet tall
- lives 20 years
- worldwide more than 1.100.000
AND….ATTENTION: is called the LIGHTNING BIRD!!!!!! When you destroy his nest you will be struck by lightning!!!!
So, let’s just take some close-ups, he is absolutely not shy….
