The shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), also known as the whale-headed stork, and shoe-billed stork, is a large long-legged wading bird. It derives its name from its enormous shoe-shaped bill. It has a somewhat stork -like overall form and has previously been classified with the storks in the order Ciconiiformes based on this morphology.

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 ‘.

shoebill, (Balaeniceps rex), large African wading bird, a single species that constitutes the family Balaenicipitidae (order Balaenicipitiformes, Ciconiiformes, or Pelecaniformes). The species is named for its clog-shaped bill, which is an adaptation for catching and holding the large, slippery lungfish, its favourite food.

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. Its...

Once classified as a stork—shoebill stork or whale-headed stork—it is now in a Family of its own: Balaenicipitidae. It shares some behavioral and anatomical characteristics with storks, but it is more like herons (Ardeidae), with its powder-downs (a special type of down feathers located on the breast and belly) and its habit of flying with ...

Utterly unique bird that makes up its own family. The plumage is uniformly gray in adults and brownish in immatures. Structure is stork-like overall, but with a thick neck and massive hooked bill. In flight, which is sometimes quite high, the long legs trail. Found in deep marshes, especially papyrus swamp. Usually alone or in pairs.

2024年5月27日 · The Shoebill Stork, also known as the Whalehead or Balaeniceps rex, is a unique bird species found in the wetlands of Africa. Although it is an apex predator in its habitat, the Shoebill stork does face predators and threats that can impact its population.

2023年1月14日 · The shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex) also known as whalehead, whale-headed stork, or shoe-billed stork, is a large, prehistoric-looking bird named for its clogged-shaped bill used for catching fish - particularly the lungfish. These birds are not widespread, found in only small regions of one continent.

2024年3月2日 · Why it's awesome: This menacing and prehistoric-looking bird can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall – and is equipped with a sharp-edged, 1-foot-long (0.3 meter) bill — the third-largest bird beak...

Known as urohidrosis, it’s a messy but deliberate habit that helps the bird to stay cool. The shoebill stork has an average wingspan of over 2.5m © Getty images. The shoebill is similarly …