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Shoebill — printable fact sheet
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Shoebill
Balaeniceps rex
The shoebill is a large, stork-like bird native to the swamps and wetlands of central tropical Africa. It is instantly recognizable by its massive, shoe-shaped bill, which it uses to catch large prey such as fish, amphibians, and even young crocodiles. The shoebill stands betwee…
Did you know?
- Shoebills can make a sound called a 'bill clap,' which is reminiscent of a machine gun and is used to communicate, especially during the breeding season.
- Shoebills have a distinctive bill-clattering display used during nesting and territorial interactions. Their huge bills can be up to 24 cm (9.4 in) long, allowing them to catch surprisingly large prey. Despite their size, they are incredibly patient hunters, often standing motionless for hours.
What I learned
Draw the shoebill
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