The hamerkop (family Scopidae) is a monotypic family of birds belonging to the order Pelecaniformes. This ibis-like bird is mostly found close to the water in most of Subsaharan Africa, including Madagascar and southwestern Arabian Peninsula. Its distinctive looks include a full brown plumage and a very large head with a short crest. It builds one of the largest and heaviest nests of all birds as massive stick-made structures with internal cameras set on large trees. Interestingly, and unlike other large nest-making birds, they build several of these nests each breeding season, regardless of whether they breed or not.

The family comprises 1 species in 1 genus. Genus Scopus inhabits in proximity to rivers, lakes and marshes all across the Afrotropical realm, where it is relatively abundant. This species — and often, its characteristic nest — are part of the folklore of different cultures across its distribution range.