Photo: Johannes Bahrdt / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Shoebill
Balaeniceps rex
Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) — Herons, Pelicans & Ibises of Africa.
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The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) is a member of the Balaenicipitidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 5.9 kg. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Pelecaniformes
- Family Balaenicipitidae Shoebill
- Genus Balaeniceps
- Species rex
Where it lives
Southern Sudan, Uganda and southwestern Ethiopia to southeastern DR Congo and northern Zambia
Quick facts
- Weight
- 5.9 kg
- Diet
- Aquatic hunters
- Family
- Balaenicipitidae
- Order
- Pelecaniformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Shoebill hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of wetlands, it forages mainly on the ground.
Migration
The Shoebill is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) belongs to the Balaenicipitidae family of the order Pelecaniformes. It occurs naturally across Africa. Its distribution covers AF s Sudan, Uganda and sw Ethiopia to se DR Congo and n Zambia.
It is a very large bird. Adults weighs around 5.9 kg, with a wing length of about 64.2 cm and a tail of around 28.2 cm.
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 1.3 million km².
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Shoebill?
The Shoebill is a very large bird that weighs around 5.9 kg.
Where does the Shoebill live?
The Shoebill is found across Africa with a range covering AF s Sudan, Uganda and sw Ethiopia to se DR Congo and n Zambia, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Shoebill belong to?
The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) belongs to the Balaenicipitidae family, in the order Pelecaniformes.
What does the Shoebill eat?
The Shoebill hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Does the Shoebill migrate?
The Shoebill is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Shoebill endangered?
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
How large is the Shoebill's range?
The Shoebill has a mapped global range of about 1.3 million km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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