Shoebill: The Prehistoric-Looking Bird That Stands Still Like a Statue
The shoebill is a giant wading bird from the swamps of eastern Africa, up to five feet tall, with a bill shaped like a wooden clog. It can stand motionless for hours while hunting, then collapses forward onto its prey. Despite the nickname shoebill stork, its closest relatives are probably pelicans.
Quick Facts
- Scientific name: Balaeniceps rex
- Height: Up to about 5 feet
- Where: Freshwater swamps of eastern tropical Africa
- Prey: Lungfish, catfish, frogs and water snakes
- Status: Vulnerable; about 3,300 to 5,300 mature birds
Is the Shoebill a Stork?
It is often called the shoebill stork, but genetic studies place it closer to pelicans. It is the only living member of its own family.
How Does a Shoebill Hunt?
Patiently. It stands still in shallow water, sometimes for hours, waiting for a lungfish to rise for air. Then it lunges, collapsing its whole body forward and grabbing fish, water and weeds all at once. It shakes out the plants and keeps the fish.
What Sound Does a Shoebill Make?
Shoebills are mostly quiet, but at the nest they greet each other by clattering their bills together, a loud rattle that sounds like a drumroll or machine gun.
How Many Shoebills Are Left?
BirdLife International lists the shoebill as Vulnerable, with an estimated 3,300 to 5,300 mature birds in the wild. Habitat loss and disturbance are the main threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is a shoebill?
Up to about five feet.
Are shoebills dangerous to humans?
Not normally. They are shy wild birds and should be given plenty of space.
What do shoebills eat?
Mainly lungfish and catfish, plus frogs and water snakes.
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Sources
- BirdLife International: Shoebill: status and population
- Animal Diversity Web: hunting, diet and behavior
More true animal stories: From Paw to Tail Blog
Cover photo: Olaf Oliviero Riemer via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.