Birds Living Vulnerable

Shoebill

Balaeniceps rex

A large, unmistakable wading bird famous for its enormous shoe-shaped bill.

Photo: Animals.wiki starter pack · Site-owned generated image

Overview

The shoebill inhabits tropical wetlands in eastern Africa, where it stalks fish, amphibians and other prey in shallow water. Its still posture, immense bill and prehistoric appearance have made it one of the most iconic birds in the world.

Physical characteristics

Length110–150 cm

Weight4.0–7.0 kg

Typical lifespan35 years

DietCarnivore

Habitat & distribution

Habitats

WetlandsMarshesSwamps

Range

Africa

Time range

EraCenozoic

PeriodQuaternary

Video

This is a Shoebill (ハシビロコウ) at Ueno Zoo (上野動物園). The Shoebill sits there staring off into space, turns and looks at the viewer. As it turns away, we can see its large eye blink. This is a gift of mine to Wikipedia, in hires.Credit: Nesnad · CC BY-SA 3.0Source ↗

Sounds

Pronunciation recording of German noun "Schuhschnabel". Male voice, recorded by native German speaker from Berlin, Germany.Jeuwre · CC BY-SA 4.0

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