54 THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



Hammerkop (ScopidcE). 



Diagnosis. — A moderate-sized wader with longish deep 

 hill hooked at the tip, front toes all webbed at base, and 

 large hind-toe. 



Size. — About as large as a crow. 



Form. — Bill rather long, deep, straight, with a hooked 

 tip ; feet with shanks of moderate length, and three 

 front toes webbed at base, hind-toe well developed ; 

 wings large, broad ; tail medium ; head large, 

 crested ; neck rather short. 



Plumage and Colouration. — Brown, with portions of 

 the plumage, chiefly the tail, barred ; much like 

 that of many birds of prey. No difference according 

 to age, sex, or season. Bill and legs black. 



Young. — Helpless, and fed by parents. 



Nest. — A very large domed structure of sticks, placed 

 on trees or rocks, and often ornamented with various 

 objects. 



Eggs. — Several ; white. 



Food. — Fish, frogs, reptiles, etc. 



Gait. — A walk. It perches freely. 



Flight. — Light and easy ; the neck and legs out- 

 stretched. 



Note. — A croak or a weak metallic sound. 



Habits and Disposition. — This bird is somewhat 

 sociable, lively and playful ; it is inclined to be 

 nocturnal. 



Economic Qualities. — It no doubt destroys vermin. 



Captivity. — This bird has thriven well at the London 

 Zoological Gardens. 



Distribution. — There is only one species (Scopus 

 timbretta), found in Africa and Madagascar. 



