Shoebill
Balaeniceps rex
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The shoebill is one of the most sought-after birds for birdwatchers visiting Africa, prized for its prehistoric appearance and massive bill. It can stand motionless for hours before collapsing forward to seize prey in its enormous bill. Despite standing over a meter tall, shoebills weigh relatively little due to their hollow bones.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 120,0 cm | 47.2 in |
| Flügelspannweite | 240,0 cm | 94.5 in |
| Gewicht | 5500,0 g | 194.01 oz |
Identifizierung
Gefieder
Blue-grey plumage overall with a slightly darker back and wings. Powder down gives a washed-out appearance. Small tuft on the back of the head.
Schnabel
Massive shoe-shaped bill, one of the largest of any bird — pale yellowish-grey with darker markings
Habitat & Range
Freshwater swamps dominated by papyrus and other dense aquatic vegetation in tropical East Africa.
Geografisches Verbreitungsgebiet
Central and East Africa from South Sudan and Ethiopia south to Zambia. Largest populations in South Sudan and Uganda.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily lungfish, also catfish, water snakes, monitor lizards, and baby crocodiles. Hunts by standing motionless, then lunging with its entire body.
Erhaltungsstatus
Verhalten & Brutverhalten
Nistverhalten
Nest type: M. Incubation: 30 days. Fledging: 95-105 days.
Gelegegröße
1-3
Lautgebung
Gesang
Largely silent; produces mechanical bill-clattering 'clap-clap-clap' when greeting at the nest — similar to White Stork. Also gives low croaking grunts. Rarely calls in the wild.
Taxonomie
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordnung | Pelecaniformes (Pelicans & Herons) |
| Familie | Balaenicipitidae (Shoebill) |
| Genus | Balaeniceps |
| Arten | Balaeniceps rex |
Distribution
Shoebill has been recorded in 1 countries.
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