The Balaeniceps rex (scientific name) or shoebill is a large stork-like bird found in swampy tropical regions of Eastern Africa. A tall bird, with height ranging from 43-60 inches, this bird has beautiful grey plumage overall, with white tips on the wing feathers. It is also has a grey crest on its head. It has exceptionally long feet. The middle toe is 6.5-7.0 inches long. Another notable feature is its bill. Straw-coloured and bulbous, the upper mandible is spotted, has sharp edges and ends in a sharp nail. They are predators, which eat a large variety of wetland vertebrates ranging from frogs, rodents to turtles and baby crocodiles. An average clutch has 1-3 eggs incubated for 30 days. Its IUCN listing is VULNERABLE.
Shoebill
