Vulnerable Shoebill
Balaeniceps rex
Also known as: Whalehead, Shoe-billed Stork
The Shoebill is a large, prehistoric-looking bird native to the swamps and wetlands of East Africa. It is most famous for its massive, shoe-shaped bill, which it uses to decapitate large prey such as lungfish, eels, and even baby crocodiles. These birds are solitary and silent hunters, capable of standing motionless for hours before collapsing forward with incredible speed to engulf their target.
Did you know?
The shoebill's bill is so strong it can decapitate prey in a single strike! Quick Facts
Detailed Information on the Shoebill
Weight
5.6 kg
Height
120 cm
Length
120 cm
Wingspan
260 cm
Top Speed
30
km/h
Social Structure:
Solitary
Activity Pattern:
Diurnal (often active at night)
Trophic Level: Piscivore
Migration: Nomadic
Population Trend: Decreasing
Main Threats:
- Habitat loss
- Disturbance
- Illegal capture
Mabamba Swamp (Uganda)
Sudd (South Sudan)
Family: Balaenicipitidae
Order: Pelecaniformes
