Shoebill

Balaeniceps rex

A prehistoric-looking giant, often spotted standing motionless in the wetlands of central Africa, this solitary hunter strikes with lightning speed when fish swim within range of its massive hook-tipped bill.

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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