Its wingspan (distance between the tip of one wing to the other) can exceed 7 feet. The Shoebill stork impresses with its size and majesty: its height varies from 3.5 – 5 feet and can weigh an average of 12 pounds. Image: How Stuff Works Physical features of Balaeniceps rex Let’s get to know a little about this amazing bird! Enjoy reading and have fun. Maybe that’s why, unfortunately, it’s endangered. The shoebill stork is docile and interacts well with humans. In some countries, it is also known by the name whale-headed stork or whalebill.īut despite these features, there is no need to be scared. Their peculiar and exotic, almost prehistoric appearance, in addition to their intimidating look, are visible proof that birds were once dinosaurs. Take a look at the photos below and you will understand why. Interestingly, it was recently discovered that the shoebill is a close relative of the hamerkop.No other bird can remind us of its kinship with dinosaurs as well as the Shoebill stork or Shoe-billed Stork (Balaeniceps rex). Mostly, he won’t fly further than between 100 and 150m far, which is quite interesting, if you take into consideration that this bird has a huge wingspan of 2.2-2.6m.Ĭontrary to what their name suggests, shoebill storks are actually closer related to pelicans and herons than what they are to storks. He is one of the slowest-flying birds and only does an estimated 150 flaps per minute. His feet are also exceptionally long, especially his middle toe, which can reach 16.8-18.5cm – the average length of a pencil. His feet are ideal for standing in the marshlands for extended periods of time and to carry his weight. The shoebill stork is tall – ranging between 1 and 1.5m high – and he weighs between 4 and 7kg. Maybe it is due to his patient behaviour, or vicious fighting skills? Not only does he look like a dinosaur, but he can also get really old, compared to the average bird – in nature, the shoebill can reach up to 35 years. He also moves very slowly and has often been described as a statue just standing there. But when it comes to hunting, he is as quiet as he is patient. You would expect this huge bird, who will attack anybody who comes in his way, to be loud, and he is during the mating season. He will fight his other siblings in the nest for his mother’s attention, to the point that the other birds might leave the nest. Even as a chick, he wants everything for himself. The shoebill stork is a solitary animal who wants to be left alone. It doesn’t necessarily mean that he will win, but with a sharp hook on the end of his huge beak, chances are that the other animal can get seriously injured. If an animal attacks this bird, he will fight back. He will even attack Nile crocodiles! Oh, have I mentioned? The shoebill stork eats baby crocodiles for breakfast. He may be patient, but he is not afraid of anything. He will wait, and wait, and wait… When lungfish, catfish, eels or even snakes try to take a breath, he will lunge forward and grab the prey with his huge bill.ĭon’t stand in this bird’s line of sight when he hunts, because he might just attack you. He mainly hunts at night in the water where there are patches of grass, waiting for the moment his prey comes up for air. This bird has perfected the art of being patient. We couldn’t find any evidence, though, that this bird belongs with the dinosaurs. It also depends from which angle you look at him. Maybe it’s because of his huge bill with the funny markings on, paired with small eyes, that give him his ancient look. Looking at the bird, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that he has a prehistoric past. His beak also looks like a whale’s head – hence the other names this bird is also known as: whalehead and whale-headed stork. When you take a closer look at the shoebill stork, you’ll realise why he has this peculiar name – his bill looks like an old Dutch clog. Let’s find out what the cool things are of this bird. If you’re lucky, you might find a shoebill stork in swamps and marshlands in East Africa. A shoebill stork has such an interesting bill.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |