The shoebill is noted for its slow movements and tendency to stay still for long periods, resulting in descriptions of the species as "statue-like". They are quite sensitive to human disturbance and may abandon their nests if flushed by humans.

Shoebill Profile. The shoebill is a large, elusive, stalk-like bird with an almost prehistoric appearance, due to its oversized shoe-shaped beak. They are sometimes referred to as ‘whalehead‘.

What makes the aptly named shoebill so unique is its foot-long bill that resembles a Dutch clog. Tan with brown splotches, it's five inches wide and has sharp edges and a sharp hook on the end.

shoebill, (Balaeniceps rex), large African wading bird, a single species that constitutes the family Balaenicipitidae (order Balaenicipitiformes, Ciconiiformes, or Pelecaniformes). The species is named for its clog-shaped bill, which is an adaptation for catching and holding the large, slippery lungfish, its favourite food.

Basic facts about Shoebill: lifespan, distribution and habitat map, lifestyle and social behavior, mating habits, diet and nutrition, population size and status.

The shoebill, Balaeniceps rex, is also called the whalehead, whale-headed stork, or shoe-billed stork. It is a bird in the order Pelecaniformes. It is the only living species in the genus Balaeniceps and the family Balaenicipitidae.

Aug 24, 2020 · Shoebill storks are frequently trapped and killed by hunters. Some of them want the meat; others value a unique prize; others still want to export the shoebills across international lines. There’s a high demand for these rare and exotic creatures, especially when they’re young.

Utterly unique bird that makes up its own family. The plumage is uniformly gray in adults and brownish in immatures. Structure is stork-like overall, but with a thick neck and massive hooked bill. In flight, which is sometimes quite high, the long legs trail. Found in deep marshes, especially papyrus swamp. Usually alone or in pairs.

The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), a remarkable large bird renowned for its massive shoe-shaped bill, is found across a patchy range in East and Central Africa. Its habitat primarily includes freshwater swamps and wetlands within tropical and subtropical regions.

Apr 7, 2025 · The Shoebill is primarily found in the wetlands of East Africa and Central Africa, specifically in countries like Uganda, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Zambia. It inhabits swamps, marshes, and flooded …