However in some regions, they can be found moving seasonally between feeding and nesting zones. Food permitting, shoebills are non-migratory. They are somewhat reluctant to fly, but can be seen soaring on thermals over their territory. They have powerful wings which allow them to take off almost vertically. Even breeding pairs will feedĪt opposite ends of their territory. Shoebills tend to be solitary, silent birds. Partially nocturnal, it tends to be sluggish but is also a strong flyer and soarer. Wings are occasionally held aloft during hunting to assist in balance while the bird walks across unstable matted vegetation. A reinforced beak and skull act as a shock absorber during these violent thrusts. The bird flaps forward and plunges its enormous bill down simultaneously. The “collapse” is unexpectedly swift, generally lasting less than a second and is performed with immense power. Males are slightly larger than females and have longer bills.īehavior: Shoebills feed mainly by ambush, standing motionless for long periods of time before “collapsing” on the prey in a manner unique for a large fish-eating bird. Size: The Shoebill stork stands 3.5 – 5 feet (1.07 – 1.5 m) tall weigh an average of 12.3 pounds (5.6 kg) have an average wingspan of 7.7 feet (2.33 m). The legs are skinny and long, like the legs of most wading birds feet are unwebbed. Males and females have similar coloration with small crest or white tufts sticking out from the back of the head. It has yellow eyes and extremely long toes. The head is large in proportion to the body, and the many-colored bill is wide and thick, The hooked bill is 8 – 12 inches (20 – 25 cm) long, 4 – 5 inches (10 – 13 cm) wide and has cutting edges. Nature wants to kill us.Description: Being entirely gray the Shoebill is easily recognized, even without its most distinguishable feature which gives it its name – a bill that resembles a hook-tipped Dutch clog. Gathering evidence that animals are conscious like us. More adorable critters with delicious breakfast products. Green issues, including (but not limited to) Green Politics. Stimulating videos from a variety of subjectsīecause annoying your pet is the responsible thing to doĪ place to discuss the news and politics of education. If you have questions/concerns, message the moderators! Different sorting options Check Out Our Friends! NameĪ place to view artistic pictures of animalsĪ place to share interesting facts on the bizarre beings inhabiting our planet. Remind those who have forgotten to put a source in the comments Please report all inappropriate images or comments (including harassment and name-calling) High quality reproductions of extinct organisms may be acceptable. Blatant reposts (same picture, same fact) are not allowed.Ĩ) No self promotion.

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Shoebill stork proving dinosaur