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Summary
Wilson, R. T. & Wilson, M. P. 1986. Nest building by the Hamerkop Scopus umbretta. Ostrich 57: 224–232.
Nest building activities of Hamerkops in central Mali were studied for more than four years. The nest is a huge enclosed structure, of a type unusual in non-passerine birds. Nest height above ground varies with the availability of suitable sites, and the entrance hole direction is related to the inclination of the tree. Construction is a joint undertaking by both members of a pair, round trip times in transporting material averaging 3 min 20 s. Females spend significantly more time on the nest than males during building. Most activity occurs during the early morning with two lesser peaks in the late morning and towards sunset. Nests are built all the year round, but there is a significant difference in numbers built in different months. Each pair of birds builds between 2,9 and 4,5 nests per year. No strong territoriality is evident, birds building in a home range area, occupying nests for relatively short periods. but returning to previously occupied nests to rebuild them or use them for breeding.