🐦

Shoebill

Balaeniceps rex

Vulnerable
체장
120.0 cm
날개 폭
240.0 cm
체중
5500.0 g
Balaenicipitidae
Pelecaniformes

소개

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
날개 폭 240.0 cm 94.5 in
체중 5500.0 g 194.01 oz

식별

깃털

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.

부리

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.

분포 지역

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.

보전 상태

Vulnerable
IUCN Red List

행동 및 번식

둥지

Nest type: M. Incubation: 30 days. Fledging: 95-105 days.

산란 수

1-3

소리

노래

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.

분류학

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Pelecaniformes (Pelicans & Herons)
Balaenicipitidae (Shoebill)
Genus Balaeniceps
Balaeniceps rex

Distribution

Shoebill has been recorded in 1 countries.

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출현 Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

자주 묻는 질문

What does the Shoebill eat?
Primarily lungfish, also catfish, water snakes, monitor lizards, and baby crocodiles. Hunts by standing motionless, then lunging with its entire body.
Where does the Shoebill live?
Freshwater swamps dominated by papyrus and other dense aquatic vegetation in tropical East Africa.
Is the Shoebill endangered?
The Shoebill has a conservation status of Vulnerable.
How does the Shoebill nest?
Nest type: M. Incubation: 30 days. Fledging: 95-105 days.
What does the Shoebill sound like?
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.
How big is the Shoebill?
The Shoebill has a body length of 120.0 cm, wingspan of 240.0 cm, weight of 5500.0 g.
What order and family does the Shoebill belong to?
The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) belongs to the order Pelecaniformes and the family Balaenicipitidae.

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