Cladornis (SciiFii)

The South American hamerkop (Cladornis argentinensis) is a species of bird of the suborder Cladornithes, despite its name, that originally lived in Argentina during the Late Oligocene as an extinct species, Cladornis pachypus, and the genus itself was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and introduced throughout the modern wetlands and coastal areas across Chile and Argentina to help boost biodiversity. The South American hamerkop is a 1 meter (3.3 foot) tall, terrestrial, flightless bird and relies on its long neck for catching fish and other small aquatic animals. It usually hunts its prey in shallow water, either by sight or touch, but the species is adaptable and will take any prey it can. The species is renowned for its enormous nests, several of which are built during the breeding season. Unusually for a terrestrial, flightless bird the nest has an internal nesting chamber where the eggs are laid. Both parents incubate the eggs, and raise the chicks. The conservation status of the South American hamerkop is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the South American hamerkop's wide range.