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 ‘.

The shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) is a very large stork -like 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. However, genetic evidence places it with pelicans and herons in the Pelecaniformes.

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.

Dec 9, 2024 · The shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), also known as the whalehead, whale-headed stork, or shoe-billed stork, belongs to the latter category. Read this AnimalWised article to learn more about the shoebill's main characteristics, habitat, diet, and reproduction.

Oct 2, 2024 · The shoebill bird (Balaeniceps rex), also known as the whale-headed stork, is one of the most fascinating and unique birds in the avian world. Its prehistoric appearance, distinct physical features, and elusive nature have captured the imagination of bird enthusiasts, scientists, and conservationists alike.

Mar 2, 2024 · 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...

Shoebills are efficient at fishing: they are perfectly designed for it. They stand motionless in the water, often for hours on end, their very long toes helping to spread their weight and to move …

Learn more about the shoebill at the Animal Facts. Here you can discover their diet, lifespan, habitat, range, appearance, breeding, behaviour and more.