The shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), also known as the whale-headed stork, whalebill, and shoe-billed stork, is a large long-legged wading bird. Its name comes from its enormous, shoe-shaped bill.

The shoebill is a large, elusive, stalk-like bird with an almost prehistoric appearance, due to its oversized shoe-shaped beak. They are sometimes referred to as ‘ whalehead ‘.

Mar 2, 2024 · Here’s how it works. Although sometimes incorrectly referred to as a stork, the shoebill is actually the only member of the Balaeniceps genus and the wider family Balaenicipitidae.

Jan 20, 2026 · The shoebill claps the mandibles of its bill together as a display, producing a loud, hollow sound. Like herons and pelicans, shoebills fly with the head held back against the body. They nest …

The shoebill favors the vast papyrus swamps of the Sudd, in northern East Africa. Shoebills stake out overspill areas, where water is moving slowly past toward lakes, carrying with it lots of delicious fish.

Basic facts about Shoebill: lifespan, distribution and habitat map, lifestyle and social behavior, mating habits, diet and nutrition, population size and status.

The shoebill is more than just a bird, it’s a living relic, a statue like sentinel of Africa’s wetlands. It embodies resilience, fragility, and mystery all at once.

What makes the aptly named shoebill so unique is its foot-long bill that resembles a Dutch clog. Tan with brown splotches, it's five inches wide and has sharp edges and a sharp hook on the end.

Jan 30, 2026 · Native to the swamps and wetlands of East-Central Africa, the Shoebill is often described as a living relic—a species that hasn’t changed much for millions of years. The most intriguing aspect …

Aug 5, 2025 · The Shoebill is a large, solitary African wetland bird famous for its massive shoe-shaped bill and statue-still hunting posture, preying mainly on fish (notably lungfish) and other aquatic …