Shoebill

Balaeniceps rex

The shoebill is a huge wetland bird of Africa. Diurnal and solitary, it waits quietly for prey in shallow water.

Key facts

Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) is a carnivore animal classified as Bird · Pelecaniformes · Balaenicipitidae.
Primary habitats are freshwater, with a range across Afrotropical.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is VU (Vulnerable).
The shoebill is a huge wetland bird of Africa.
It uses papyrus swamps, shallow marshes, and floodplains.
Typical lifespan: 8-25 years

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

It uses papyrus swamps, shallow marshes, and floodplains. Quiet shallows with fish and floating vegetation for walking are favored.

Wingspan is about 230-260 cm and weight about 4-7 kg. A massive shoe-shaped bill, gray body, long legs, and broad wings define it.

Active by day, it may stand motionless for long periods. Movements are slow until the sudden forward strike at prey.

It is carnivorous, feeding mainly on fish along with amphibians and other wetland animals. The huge bill can scoop prey with surrounding vegetation.

It nests on platforms of wetland plants. Adults shade chicks from strong sun and bring both water and food.

Its status is listed as Vulnerable. Wetland alteration, disturbance, and changes in feeding sites make large quiet marshes important.