Shoebill
Balaeniceps rex
The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) is a rare shoebill found in 7 countries, weighing about 5.9 kg. The shoebill, also known as the whale-headed stork, whalebill, and shoe-billed stork, is a large long-legged wading bird.
About the Shoebill
The shoebill, also known as the whale-headed stork, whalebill, and shoe-billed stork, is a large long-legged wading bird. It is named for its enormous, shoe-shaped bill. It has a somewhat stork-like overall form and was previously classified as a stork in the order Ciconiiformes, but genetic evidence has now placed it along with pelicans, herons, and its closest relative, the hamerkop, all in the order Pelecaniformes. Adults are mainly grey, while juveniles are browner. It lives in tropical East Africa in large swamps from South Sudan down to Zambia.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The shoebill is a tall bird, with a typical height range of 110 to 140 cm (43 to 55 in), with some specimens reaching as much as 152 cm (60 in). Length from tail to beak can range from 100 to 140 cm (39 to 55 in), and wingspan is 230 to 260 cm (7 ft 7 in to 8 ft 6 in). Weight has reportedly ranged from 4 to 7 kg (8.8 to 15.4 lb). A male typically weighs around 5.6 kg (12 lb) and is larger than a typical female of 4.9 kg (11 lb). The signature feature of the species is its huge, bulbous bill, which is pinkish in color with erratic greyish markings. Voice: Shoebills are normally silent, but perform bill-clattering displays at the nest. When engaging in these displays, adult birds have also been noted to utter a cattle-like moo, as well as high-pitched whines. Both nestlings and adults engage in bill-clattering during the nesting season as a means of communication.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Kenya.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in July. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Shoebill?
- The shoebill is a tall bird, with a typical height range of 110 to 140 cm (43 to 55 in), with some specimens reaching as much as 152 cm (60 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Shoebill?
- The Shoebill is a huge sized bird weighing about 5.9 kg.
- Where can you see a Shoebill?
- The Shoebill occurs in 7 countries, including Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Congo - Kinshasa.
- Is the Shoebill endangered?
- The Shoebill is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Shoebill for real
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