What kind of bird is a shoebill? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This African bird is also very popular at zoos. It is also known as a “stationary bird,” and because it stands still, it looks like a figurine. Let’s learn more about this bird.
What is a shoebill? About basic status
The shoebill is a bird classified in the order Pelecanidae, family Shoebill, and genus Shoebill. The scientific name is Balaeniceps rex, and the kanji is “Balaeniceps rex”. The body length is 110-140cm, the wingspan is 230-260cm, and the weight is 4-7kg. Males weigh an average of 5.6 kg, which is larger than females (average 4.9 kg). If you pay attention to them in the wild and observe their behavior, you will notice that they do not take any action, but remain standing all the time. They do not move on the surface of the water and wait for a long time to catch their prey.
| Japanese（和名） | ハシビロコウ |
| English（英名） | Shoe-billed Stork / Whale-headed Stork |
| scientific name(学名) | Balaeniceps rex |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Pelecaniformes、Balaenicipitidae 、Balaeniceps 鳥綱、ペリカン目、ハシビロコウ科、ハシビロコウ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 110-140cm |
| Weight（体重） | 4-7kg |
About classification
The mainstream theory was that shoebills were included in the order Storks. There have been various theories regarding the classification of shoebills, but recent advances in DNA analysis have revealed that they are closely related to pelicans. Others say they are similar to herons. The shoebill’s scientific name comes from the Latin word meaning “whale-headed king.”
分類学（Taxonomy）
- 界（Kingdom）: 動物界 (Animalia)
- 門（Phylum）: 脊索動物門 (Chordata)
- 綱（Class）: 鳥綱 (Aves)
- 目（Order）: コウノトリ目 (Pelecaniformes)
- かつては独自の「ハシビロコウ目（Balaenicipitiformes）」として扱われることもありましたが、近年の分子系統学によりコウノトリ目に含める説が有力です。
- 科（Family）: ハシビロコウ科 (Balaenicipitidae)
- ハシビロコウはこの科で唯一の現生種です。
- 属（Genus）: ハシビロコウ属 (Balaeniceps)
- 種（Species）: ハシビロコウ (Balaeniceps rex)
Where is its habitat?
Shoebills live in tropical areas from South Sudan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. There are many areas in the east.
Habitat
Region: Central-Eastern Africa
Distributed primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, including southern Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northern Tanzania.
Environment: Wetlands, swamps, and wet grasslands along rivers.
Commonly found in shallow marshes and along lake shores.
Often found waiting quietly in still waters.
Climate: Tropical rainforest and savannah wetlands.
Can survive in areas with seasonally changing water levels.
Characteristic Ecology and Habitat Relationships
It preys on fish and frogs with its large beak, so it requires a watery environment.
It prefers quiet, unpopulated wetlands because it can ambush hunt without moving for long periods of time.
Drought and drying-up of wetlands can limit its habitat.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Shoebills are well known as “stationary birds.” One beak is large like that of a dinosaur. Its plumage is bluish-gray and it flies very well. They mainly live in wetlands, swamps, and surrounding grasslands, and they stay still all the time. By staying still and not making any noise, they make it easier to catch food. Shoebill storks are nocturnal, and during the day they often rest among grasses such as reeds and papyrus.
Physical Characteristics
Body Size
Total Length: Approximately 115-150 cm
Weight: Approximately 4-7 kg
Wingspan: Approximately 230 cm
Beak
Large, broad, sturdy, shovel-shaped beak
Ideal for catching fish and frogs
Body Color
Overall color is blue-gray or dark gray
Sometimes the head has whitish feathers mixed in
Legs
Long and thick, walking slowly but standing with a stable posture
Structure adapted for hunting near water
Eyes
Large and sharp They use their eyesight to watch moving prey.
Behavioral Characteristics
Ambush Hunter
They wait motionless for hours, barely moving, for prey.
They are also known as the “world’s most motionless bird” due to their extremely low mobility.
Prey
Mainly fish, frogs, and small reptiles
Once they catch prey, they grab it with their beak.
Calls
They are generally silent.
They only call during mating season or when threatening.
Lifespan
They can live for approximately 35 years in the wild and over 40 years in captivity.
What is your personality like?
Basically, shoebills live near water, where there are crocodiles and catfish, and they are very solitary animals. Therefore, they are not very social and do not play around with other dogs. In addition, there are many mysterious animals that require more research.
Shoebill Personality and Behavior
Quiet and patient
Often stays motionless
Can wait for hours in the same place to catch prey
Cautious and wary
Very wary of humans and other animals
They may flee if suddenly approached, but are generally watchful
Curious but reserved
They may observe objects that interest them, but do not act immediately
In captivity, once they become accustomed to their handlers, they may observe intently
Not aggressive, but wary
They attack prey quickly, but rarely attack other animals or humans unnecessarily
They may use their beak to intimidate
Primarily solitary
They are not very social, and rarely gather in groups
They live alone outside of the breeding season
What is the ecology like?
The shoebill’s prey consists of insects and fish such as lungfish and polypterus, but it also eats frogs and snakes. During breeding season, pairs engage in displays such as cluttering and bowing. They lay 2-3 eggs at a time. The incubation period is about 30 days, and sexual maturity takes about 3 years. Lifespan is 30 to 40 years.
- Lifestyle
Soliloquy
They generally live alone.
They do not form groups except during breeding season.
Activity Period
Diurnal, active during the day.
They often stay still for long periods of time and hunt by ambush.
Movement
They walk slowly through marshes and grasslands near water.
They can fly, but do not fly frequently; they spend their time walking or standing still.
- Diet (Prey)
Characteristics as a Predator
They primarily feed on fish, frogs, small reptiles, and amphibians.
They capture prey by ambush.
Hunting Method
Once they find prey, they quickly grab it with their beak.
They excel at hunting in water and shallow areas of marshes.
- Breeding
Breeding Season
Both sexes are monogamous
Breeding season is primarily during the rainy season
Nest
They build large nests out of marsh grasses and aquatic plants.
Nests are built in shallow areas near water.
Eggs and Rearing
Lays 1-3 eggs at a time.
Both parents take turns incubating the eggs.
Parents continue to care for the eggs for long periods after they hatch.
- Lifespan
Wild: Approximately 35 years
Captive: Can live for over 40 years
- Distinctive Behavior
Ambush Hunting
They remain almost motionless, waiting for prey in the same position for hours.
Also known as the “world’s most motionless bird.”
Low Sociality
They rarely form flocks with other birds and prefer solitude.
Are there any natural enemies?
Their natural enemies are large birds such as vultures. Predators can sometimes lose sight of birds that remain stationary for several hours over a large area.
About Shoebill Chicks
Let’s summarize what we know about shoebill chicks.
- Eggs and Hatching
Egg Laying
Egg Size
Each egg is approximately 9-10cm long.
Egg color is pale blue-green, with a slight sheen.
Incubation Period
Hatching occurs after approximately 30-32 days.
Both parents take turns incubating the eggs.
- Chick Development
Immediately after Hatching
Feeding is white and fluffy.
Eyes are large, and beaks are still small.
Life in the Nest
Parents feed the chicks.
Chicks tend to stay still in the nest.
Growth Rate
Body development is relatively slow.
They often become able to flap their wings and fly 2-3 months after hatching.
- Independence
Parents provide food for approximately 3 months.
After that, they gradually learn to catch food and become independent.
- Characteristics
Slow growth rate in proportion to longevity
Chicks grow slower than other birds
Low movement rate
Like their parents, chicks spend a lot of time still in the nest
Survival rate
In the wild, chick survival rates are low due to the high risk of predators and environmental changes.
Is the shoebill an endangered species?
The shoebill is listed as an endangered species. International trade is also regulated by the Washington Convention and is very strictly controlled. He is popular among humans and has become a hot topic of discussion, and there are many videos and photos available on the Internet. Famous events are also held at zoos and other places.
Deterioration of habitat
The biggest problem is the deterioration of the shoebill’s habitat. Their population is decreasing due to water pollution and destruction of their nests due to being trampled by livestock. Hunting for meat, eggs, and chicks are also carried out. The estimated population is said to be around 10,000 birds.
Can shoebill storks be kept?
As explained above, the shoebill is designated as an endangered species. Furthermore, international trade is severely restricted by the Washington Convention, making it extremely difficult for the general public to keep them.
- Current Status of Captivity
They are often kept only in zoos and wildlife facilities around the world.
They are exhibited in a few zoos in Japan (e.g., Ueno Zoo, Kobe Animal Kingdom, etc.).
Importing wild specimens is prohibited, and captive specimens are bred or adopted.
- Difficulties of Captivity
Requires a large wetland environment
Requires water, shallow ponds, and wetlands similar to their natural environment.
Space is required to reproduce their ambush hunting behavior.
Food is difficult to obtain.
Mainly fish, frogs, and small reptiles.
Food availability and feeding timing are extremely important.
Nervous temperament.
Vulnerable to stress, and poor captivity can lead to health problems.
A quiet, calm environment is essential for breeding.
Long Lifespan
They can live for 35 years in the wild and over 40 years in captivity.
Responsible long-term management is required.
- Laws and Regulations
Shoebills are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
International trade is generally prohibited.
In Japan, under CITES, keeping or importing them is prohibited without special permission.
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