Hamerkops

Hamerkops also known as Umbretta or Umberbirds are birds that appear in The Lion Guard universe.

In the Real World
The Hamerkop is a distinctive medium sized wading bird measuring 47 – 56 centimetres in length and weighing around 415 – 430 grams. The colour of its plumage is brown and there are hints of iridescent purple on its back.

The Hamerkop’s bill is long and flat and slightly hooked at the tip and their is a square, blunt crest on its nape. Compared to other wading birds, its legs and neck are shorter in length. The Hamerkop’s feet are partially webbed and its middle toe is comb-like (pectinated), similar to that of a Herons, and is used to groom its feathers.

The Hamerkop’s wings are large, broad and rounded and its tail is short. The Hamerkop has a wingspan of 90 – 94 centimetres. The Hamerkop is so named because of its hammer-shaped head.

In the Real World
The Hamerkop is a remarkable wading bird who is so named as its head shape, curved bill and back crest resembles a hammer.

The Hamerkop is distributed around the coasts of Africa, south of the Sahara and Madagascar.

The Hamerkop constitutes the family Scopidae and genus Scopus all on its own because of its unique characteristics.

The Hamerkop is currently placed in the pelican and cormorant group, Pelecaniformes, although it is classified into Ciconiiformes (storks, herons, egrets, ibises, and spoonbills) by other authorities.