Birds are a group of vertebrates with an impressive diversity, where we undoubtedly find species that exhibit beautiful physical characteristics, in addition to the varied songs that many manage to make. Within the different features of this group of animals we have from very small sizes to truly impressive birds due to their height and appearance, one of them being known as the shoebill, a species that undoubtedly reminds us of the close relationship between these feathered birds. and the dinosaurs.
Continue reading this article on our site and find out the most relevant information about the characteristics of the shoebill, its habitat, feeding and reproduction.
Taxonomic classification of the shoebill
Let's start knowing the aspects about the classification of the shoebill. Previously, this bird was considered with another taxonomy, however, it is currently located in the group of pelicans, wading birds and herons, among others.
The shoebill bird is the only extant species of the genus and is classified as follows:
- Animalia Kingdom
- Filo: Chordata
- Class: Birds
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Balaenicipitidae
- Genre: Balaeniceps
- Species: Balaeniceps rex
Characteristics of the shoebill
The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) is a truly impressive animal, easy to identify and very curious. Let's see below its main physical characteristics:
- The size of the shoebill is, without a doubt, large, since this bird reaches a height between 1.10 and 1.40 meters, so it's an imposing animal.
- He has an appearance that can be described as prehistoric, with an intimidating look.
- The weight of a male is around 5.6 kg, while that of a female is around 4.9 kg.
- The wingspan of the shoebill can be up to 2.6 meters.
- The beak resembles a kind of wooden shoe and ends in a sharp, curved hooked tip, hence its common name.
- Generally, the color is slate gray, with the head being a deeper shade. On the wings there are lighter tones and each feather can be distinguished, which usually have a whitish edge.
- On the back of the head there is a smaller section of hair that can be seen as a crest.
- The eyes, large, are yellowishor in some cases grayish white.
- Its great size is in relation to its long legs, which are blackish in color. The fingers are also long, clearly divided, and there is no membrane between them.
Shoebill Customs
One of the main customs of the Shoebill is its solitary behavior, except during food shortages, when several specimens can be seen nearby. Even breeding pairs usually stay in distant places within the territory.
In order to lose heat, this bird commonly uses its gular wingbeat to cool off If it has resources to feed itself, it does not have habits migratory, but can make mobilizations within its same distribution region to nest or optimize feeding. If you want to know animals that do migrate, don't miss this article: "Animals that migrate".
Despite its intimidating appearance, the shoebill is not an aggressive bird towards people, even allowing them to approach in some sometimes at some distance from the nest. It is common to observe it flying during the day over its territorySo, if you are wondering if the shoebill can fly, despite its large size, the answer is yes, and it has great capabilities for it.
It is usually a silent bird, although sometimes it makes certain sounds with its beak. The main senses used are vision and hearing, in order to optimize vision he is normally seen with his head arranged vertically downwards.
Where does the shoebill live?
Now that we know the main characteristics of the shoebill and its customs, where does it live? The shoebill is a bird native to Africa and grows in the center of this region, specifically in the Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
The habitat of the shoebill is made up of seasonal flood swamps, but it can move to other ecosystems to reproduce and forage. It is usually present in areas where plants such as papyrus, eg Cyperus papyrus species, sedges such as Phragmites spp., and grasses, especially Miscanthidium spp., dominate. It also grows in places with abundant floating vegetation, permanent swamps and even in certain plantations such as rice. However, avoid ecosystems with very dense vegetation or where the height is greater than the bird's own size.
What does the shoebill eat?
The shoebill is a carnivorous bird, which feeds mainly on fish, being a lungfish the one of his preference, such as the species Protopterus aethiopicus, but also includes other varieties such as the Bichir of Senegal (Polypterus senegalus), catfish of the Clarias genus and fish of the Tilapia group. It is commonly located in poorly oxygenated waters, so that some fish are forced to rise to the surface to breathe and the bird takes advantage of it to capture them.
On the other hand, it also feeds on rodents, amphibians, small crocodiles, turtles and water snakes. On some occasions it may include young birds and carrion. To capture prey, it may hold still in the water and, once spotted, pounce; you can also walk to wade through it.
Shoebill Playback
The reproduction of the shoebill, in general, lasts longer than in other birds due to its slow development. It is characterized by being a monogamous bird Breeding pairs settle in territories of up to 3 square kilometers. The reproductive season, although it can be different depending on the area, usually occurs at the beginning of the dry season. From this moment, the birds become very territorial and defend their nests against predators.
The span of the reproductive cycle, from when the nest begins to be built until the chicks fledge, lastsbetween 6 and 7 months First, the shoebill prepares a space of about 3 meters on an island or cluster of floating vegetation, in which it will build a large platform-type nest, which it weaves and will have about 1 meter in diameter. Later, about 2 whitish eggs will be laid, which will be incubated for around 30 days. Usually it is only one of the eggs that will be viable. It is common for the parents to spray the nest with water and provide shade to cool the eggs.
Both parents participate in all stages of reproduction. To feed the newborn, they regurgitate food for the newborn to drink. It has been documented that when there are two chicks, one attacks the other, with the older one carrying out the action. The parents then reject the wounded little boy, who dies from lack of care. Compared to other birds, the shoebill tends to develop more slowly, becoming independent after 3 months of age.
Conservation status of the shoebill
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the shoebill in the vulnerable category Its main threats are the transformation of the habitat for the development of agriculture, livestock or oil exploitation; hunted for consumption or for popular beliefs associated with the fact that the bird is supposedly a bad omen and also for its commercialization and sale to zoos.
How many shoebills are left in the world?
According to the IUCN, there are about 3 left.300-5,300 shoebills in the world. The population trend is decreasing, so certain actions have been proposed for its conservation. In addition to being included in appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, certain plans are developed that involve communities for the protection of this animal.
