Shoebill Bird Facts (Balaeniceps rex)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Shoebill is a striking, large, wading bird with a distinctive shoe-shaped bill. Its plumage is predominantly blue-grey, with a slightly darker back and wings. The massive bill is greyish in colour and can reach up to 24 cm in length.

Both sexes look similar, with males being larger and have longer bills. There are no significant seasonal changes in plumage. Juveniles have a smaller bill and duller colouration compared to adults, gradually developing adult features over several years.

Size

Length

110cm to 140cm

Wingspan

230cm to 260cm

Weight

4kg to 7kg

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Grey Blue

Secondary Colour

White

Beak Colour

Grey Orange

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Shoebill is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Shoebill is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Shoebill can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Shoebill is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Shoebill is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Shoebill is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Shoebill is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Shoebill is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Shoebill is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Shoebill is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Shoebill is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Shoebill is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Shoebills inhabit large swamps, marshes, and wetlands in tropical central Africa. Their range extends from South Sudan to Zambia, with significant populations in Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

These birds are non-migratory but may make local movements in response to water levels and food availability. They prefer areas with dense papyrus and reed beds, often near open water.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,000 meters

Climate zones

Tropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Shoebill. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Central African Republic Democratic Republic of the Congo Rwanda South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Uganda Zambia

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Ethiopia

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 65

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

While not particularly nimble, the Shoebill demonstrates remarkable precision in its hunting technique, executing swift 'collapsing' lunges to catch prey. Their powerful flight capabilities and ability to navigate marshy terrain show decent agility for their size, though they generally move with deliberate slowness.

Strength 85

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Exceptionally powerful for a bird, with impressive capabilities demonstrated by their ability to catch and consume substantial prey including lungfish, catfish, and even small crocodiles. Their massive bill and large size (up to 7kg) enables them to handle challenging prey with considerable force.

Adaptability 70

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Shows good adaptability within their preferred wetland habitat, adjusting to changing water levels and food availability through local movements. Their specialised hunting technique and ability to survive in various tropical wetland environments demonstrates reasonable adaptability, though they are somewhat habitat-specific.

Aggressiveness 75

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Whilst not typically aggressive towards their own species, Shoebills display significant predatory aggression when hunting, tackling formidable prey including snakes and small crocodiles. Their powerful bill-clattering behaviour when threatened also indicates a strong defensive posture.

Endurance 80

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Remarkable endurance is evidenced by their ability to stand motionless for hours while hunting, combined with their capacity for powerful flight when needed. Their long lifespan (20-35 years) and ability to survive in challenging tropical environments further demonstrates their strong endurance.

Diet

Shoebills primarily feed on fish, especially lungfish and catfish, but also consume frogs, snakes, and occasionally small crocodiles.

They hunt using a unique technique called 'collapsing', where they suddenly lunge forward to catch prey with their powerful bill.

Behaviour

Shoebills are known for their statue-like stillness when hunting, often standing motionless for long periods. They are generally solitary birds, rarely seen in groups.

They exhibit a slow, deliberate gait when moving, and their flight is powerful but infrequent.

Vocalisation

Shoebills are generally silent birds, but they produce a distinctive bill-clattering sound during courtship or when threatened. This rapid clattering, described as a 'machine-gun-like' tak-tak-tak, can be heard from a considerable distance. They may also emit low, cow-like moo-ing sounds.

Nesting & Breeding

Shoebills form monogamous pairs and breed during the dry season when water levels are lower. They construct large, flat nests of reeds and grasses on floating vegetation or solid ground in swamps.

Females typically lay 1-3 white eggs, which both parents incubate for about 30 days. The eggs often become stained brown from the nest materials.

Chicks hatch asynchronously and are cared for by both parents. They fledge after about 3-4 months but may remain dependent on their parents for up to a year.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Vulnerable ^[1]

The Shoebill is classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss, hunting, and capture for the wild bird trade.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetland habitats and reducing human disturbance. Monitoring programs and international cooperation are crucial for the species' survival.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

3,300 - 5,300 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Shoebill Stork, Whalehead, Whale-headed Stork, Shoe-billed Stork

Family:

Balaenicipitidae

Average Lifespan

35 to 35 years ^[4]

Max Lifespan

50 years ^[5]

Predators

Adult Shoebills have few natural predators due to their size. However, eggs and chicks may fall prey to monitor lizards, African fish eagles, and occasionally crocodiles.

Did You Know?

The Shoebill's bill is so large it can catch and eat baby crocodiles.
Despite their stork-like appearance, Shoebills are more closely related to pelicans.
Shoebills can stand motionless for hours while hunting, earning them the nickname 'statue bird'.
The oldest captive Shoebill died at an estimated age of 50 in Izu Shaboten Zoo, Japan.

References

1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Balaeniceps rex. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22697583A133840708.
View source
2 3 4
report, 2007: L. Dinesen in litt.
5
website, 2020: Bill the shoebill, believed to be world's oldest, dies at central Japan zoo, The Mainichi
View source