The family Scopidae, within the order Pelecaniformes, is represented by a single species, the hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), a medium-sized wading bird native to sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Madagascar. It is easily recognized by its brown plumage, long legs, and distinctive hammer-shaped head and crest. Hamerkops inhabit wetlands, rivers, and marshes, where they feed mainly on fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates. They are especially notable for constructing enormous, domed nests—some of the largest relative to body size of any bird—built from sticks and mud. Social and often found in pairs or small groups, Scopidae play an important role in wetland ecosystems as both predators and prey, and their unique nest-building behavior has made them a species of cultural significance in many African traditions.