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Shoebill

Balaeniceps rex

The Shoebill is a large bird with a big, shoe-shaped bill! It lives in wetlands and is known for its unique appearance and quiet nature. Shoebills are great at standing still while they hunt for fish.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Shoebill is a massive, grey bird with a striking, oversized, shoe-shaped bill. Its piercing yellow eyes are set forward, giving it a prehistoric appearance unlike other marsh birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyBalaenicipitidaeGenusBalaeniceps
Shoebill
feathered trait badgesolitary trait badgepiscivorous trait badgeambush_predator trait badge
Shoebill

Category

Birds

Rarity

Rare

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It can eat baby crocodiles, sometimes even decapitating them before swallowing!

Shoebill parents use water to cool their eggs, sometimes spitting it on them!

The Shoebill is called a 'living fossil' because it looks like ancient birds!

They rarely make noise, but sometimes greet each other by bowing and clattering their bills.

Special abilities

Ability

Silent Hunter

Shoebills can stay incredibly still for hours, ambushing fish and reptiles with a powerful, swift strike.

Ability

Muddy Water Master

Shoebills have eyes that help them see in murky water and a unique bill to grab slippery prey.

Ability

Powerful Grip

Shoebills can catch and hold large, slippery fish thanks to their massive, hooked bill and strong neck.

Measurements & details

Length
110-140 cm
Wingspan
230-260 cm
Weight
4-7 kg
Lifespan
30-50 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
1-3
Incubation
30-32 days

Diet & Feeding

This giant bird loves to gobble up fish and even small reptiles from muddy waters.

Primary Foods

  • African lungfish
  • Catfish
  • Tilapia
  • Eels
  • Water snakes
  • Frogs

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

African Lungfish

Protopterus aethiopicus

A primary food source in its swamp habitat.

eats

African Sharptooth Catfish

Clarias gariepinus

A common, large fish species hunted by shoebills.

eaten by

Nile Monitor

Varanus niloticus

Preys on shoebill eggs and chicks in the nest.

depends on

Papyrus

Cyperus papyrus

Provides crucial nesting material and hunting cover.

Traits

Also known as

Shoebill Stork

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always observe wild birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Shoebill?

110-140 cm

What is Shoebill's wingspan?

230-260 cm

How much does Shoebill weigh?

4-7 kg

How long does Shoebill live?

30-50 years

How fast can Shoebill move?

35 km/h

What does Shoebill eat?

This giant bird loves to gobble up fish and even small reptiles from muddy waters.

Where is Shoebill usually found?

Wetlands

How does Shoebill hunt?

Ambush

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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