Hammerkop in Kabalega Falls National Park, east of Albert, Lake, Uganda

Kabalega Falls National Park was established in 1952. It occupies 1,483 sq mi (3,840 sq km) of rolling grassland. Its central feature is the Kabalega Falls on the lower Victoria Nile River. The Hammerkop is a dusky brown water bird about the size of a cattle egret--about 20 inches long. Its thick square crest is the origin of its name. The bird's short tail and large wings enable it to soar and glide easily, which it does with its head stretched forward. The Hammerkop resides throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar and Yemen in suitable localities, occurring on inland waters, especially slowly-running streams. Lake margins and marshes are also common habitats. It is a sedentary species, remaining in a well-defined territory, although some pairs will move to normally dry areas when the seasonal rain fills ditches and holes. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for American Broadcasting Company and traveled to Africa from June 1966 to early August 1966.