What does the Hamerkop eat?

The Hamerkop's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore (primarily aquatic invertebrates and small vertebrates)

How it forages

Primarily a wading bird that forages in shallow water. It walks slowly, often shuffling its feet to disturb prey, or stands still and waits for prey to appear. It uses its bill to snatch prey from the water or mud. Diet consists mainly of amphibians (frogs, tadpoles), fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and occasionally small mammals or reptiles.

When it feeds

Diurnal.

Explore the Hamerkop