![]() ![]() ![]() Its massive, curved bill resembles that of a pterodactyl, and its overall appearance is reminiscent of a prehistoric creature. They don't say much, in fact they're mute most of the time, but when they clatter their bills upon running into another shoebill, or if it's mating season, duck for cover: It sounds just like a machine gun. The shoebill, also known as the whale-headed stork, is a bird that looks like it could have come straight from the Cretaceous period. Fierce in the wild, the dauntless shoebill has been known to fight Nile crocodiles (one of the largest crocodiles out there) to get to their delicious babies, and to fraternize with hippos whenever possible, as the sheer enormity of hippos forces yummy shoebill snacks to the water's surface. ![]() Stoic loners – there are only about 3,300 to 5,300 individuals left in the wild – the shoebill stays mainly in its own bailiwick, flying (a mere 150 flaps per minute) anywhere from 500 to 1,000 feet (152 to 305 meters) at a time, with most flights in the 65-foot (20-meter) range. While the momma shoebill will lay two or three eggs, only one chick will survive, as the eldest offspring has a Darwinian dark side and, alas, kills its siblings. This giant bird has a large body, huge wings, and a bill that looks like a shoe. Its distinct appearance, with a bill that looks like the shape of a shoe or a Dutch wooden clog, makes it a sought-after sight for bird lovers and wildlife photographers. The shape and size of their beaks give them an almost dinosaur-like appearance. The Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) known as the Whale-headed stork or Shoe-billed stork, is a prehistoric-looking long-legged wading bird species native to Central and East Africa. Their large beaks curve down at the end, forming a hook, and they use this sharp curve to pierce through their prey’s bodies. Spanning about 7 inches, the shoebill’s bill is said to resemble a huge Dutch wooden clog. Both partners participate in building their nest, which is a kind of floating barge that can be as large as 10 feet wide (3 meters) and 9 feet (almost 3 meters) deep. The shoebill stork ( Balaeniceps rex) is a large, broad bird that is endemic to the swamps and wetlands of Central and East Africa. The shoebill stork gets their name from their shoe-shaped beak that can reach up to 7.4 or 9.4 inches long and 4 inches wide. A monogamous bird that can live up to 35 years, the shoebill finds its mate at a young age and aggressively defends its partner against rivals. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |