Bonanza Bird #2: Shoebill

November 19, 2011 in Storks and Birdorable Bonanza 2011 with 5 comments

For 19 days we're adding a new Birdorable bird every day as part of our Birdorable Bonanza 2011. We're counting up to revealing our 350th species! Today's bird is the Shoebill.

Shoebill stork by belgianchocolate

The Shoebill is a remarkable-looking bird with an amazingly huge shoe-shaped bill. These large birds measure up to 59 inches (150 cm) tall and their bills average 12 inches (30 cm) in length, giving it the largest bill of all bird species! The edges of this large bill are very sharp, allowing the Shoebill to cut up its food before swallowing it. They feed mainly on aquatic animals like baby crocodiles and fish. Shoebills live in parts of east Africa, with most individuals living in the Sudan, and are considered vulnerable, mainly due to habitat loss.

Tomorrow's bird is the largest 'true bird of prey' in the world. It breeds in high mountains and large forests across southern Europe and Asia. Can you guess what it will be?

Comments

Leslie on November 19, 2011 at 3:04 PM wrote:

Those guys weren't very cute to begin with, but you made them birdorable!!

Intellegent dodo on June 29, 2012 at 2:53 PM wrote:

I love shoebills and marabou storks in birdorable form!

Richelle Iskandar on February 15, 2021 at 5:42 AM wrote:

I like shoebills, peacocks, and Phoenixes.

Spurwing Plover on May 3, 2022 at 8:02 AM wrote:

The Loftwings from Zelda look like Shoebills

Spurwing Plover on December 17, 2022 at 8:12 AM wrote:

Shoebills can still fly

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