The global population is currently estimated at between 5,000-8,000 birds and the species is classed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Their decline is primarily due to the loss of already limited habitat. Globally, only an estimated 5,000-8,000 shoebills are believed to exist. Populations of these unique birds are, unfortunately, diminishing. The Shoebill is undergoing a continuing decline owing to the effects of habitat destruction and degradation, pollution, nest disturbance, hunting, and capture for the live bird trade. The majority of shoebill populations live in wetland areas in South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and northeastern Zambia. The breeding season varies, being dependent on Africa’s seasonal flood cycle. Although a clutch of up to three dull, chalky-white eggs is laid, typically only one nestling survives due to inter-sibling rivalry, where the larger (generally first born) chick will out-compete and/or kill its siblings. The construction can be up to three metres wide. The nest is large and flattened, built amid swamp grasses or sedges and usually on a mound of floating vegetation or a small island. That's probably why its gaze is affectionately nicknamed the 'death stare. Individuals are highly solitary – often the male and female in a breeding pair prefer to occupy different ends of their shared territory. This prehistoric bird looks like it wants to murder you in your sleep. Weight has reportedly ranged from 4 to 7 kg (8.8 to 15.4 lb). Length from tail to beak can range from 100 to 140 cm (39 to 55 in) and wingspan is 230 to 260 cm (7 ft 7 in to 8 ft 6 in). Another thing to consider when it comes to the shoebill stork is the fact that it has a blue-gray, slaty plumage. Males are usually taller than females and they will also have a much longer bill. Most of the time it will be anywhere from 110 to 140 cm in height. This large waterbird is unmistakable due to its unique ‘shoe-shaped’ bill which gives it an almost prehistoric appearance – reminding us of birds’ dinosaur ancestry.įound in nine countries across Africa the species has a large range, but exists in small localised populations concentrated around swamps and wetlands. Description Shoebill The shoebill is a tall bird, with a typical height range of 110 to 140 cm (43 to 55 in) and some specimens reaching as much as 152 cm (60 in). The shoebill stork is amongst the largest birds in the world.
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