The Shoebill bird, Balaeniceps rex, also known as Whalehead, is a very large stork-like bird. It derives its name from its massive shoe-shaped bill.
The adult bird is 115-150 cm (45-60 in) tall, 100-140 cm (40-55 in) long, 230-260 cm (91-125 in) across the wings and weighs 4 to 7 kg (8.8-15.5 lbs). The adult is mainly grey while the juveniles are browner. It lives in tropical east Africa in large swamps from Sudan to Zambia; including Uganda.
The shoebill bird species was classified in the 19th century when some skins were taken to Europe. It was not until years later that live specimens of the Shoebill bird reached the scientific community. However, the Shoebill bird was known to both ancient Egyptians and Arabs; there are ancient Egyptian art and culture images depicting the Shoebill, while the Arabs referred to the Shoebill bird as abu markub, which means one with a shoe, a reference to the bird's distinctive bill.
Shoebills feed in muddy waters, preying on fish,frogs, reptiles such as baby crocodiles, and small mammals; in Uganda Shoebills are easily seen in the Mabamba bay Wetland. The Shoebill bird nests on the ground and lay 2 eggs.
The population of the Shoebill bird is estimated at between 5,000 and 8,000 individuals, the majority of which live in Sudan. Dont miss to spot the Shoebill bird on our ultimate birding safari in Uganda view other pictures of birds here photo gallery.
|
Bird Uganda Safaris Ltd
