![]() ![]() This long prey handling time makes the shoebill stork vulnerable to kleptoparasitism by the African fish eagle ( Haliaeetus vocifer) (4). While the beak structure allows the shoebill stork’s larger prey items, handling time is increased, with the process of scooping, rearranging and swallowing prey sometimes taking as long as half an hour. Other prey items are also taken, with the stork’s hooked beak, allowing it to tackle larger prey items then other waders, such as juvenile Nile crocodiles ( Crocodylus niloticus) (3). The shoebill stork is primarily piscivores, typically stalking shallow deoxygenated water, when it feeds on fish coming up gulp air such as the marbled lungfish ( Protopterus aethiopicus) and Senegal bichir ( Polypterus senegalus). The middle toe of the shoebill stork is particularly long, and can reach a length of 18cm, and is used to help grip floating vegetation. The feet of the shoebill stork are large and widely splayed apart allowing the bird to stand and walk on floating vegetation. The most distinctive feature of the shoebill stork is the large bill, with the upper mandible reaching a length between 18 to 24cm (2) and ends with hook like nail at the tip of the beak. The shoebill stork has a wingspan of 2.3m and has broad rounded wings that aid the stork in soaring, allowing it to travel long distances with little energy exerted. The shoebill stork is a large wading bird, reaching an average height of 1.2m and a weight of 5.5kg, with slate grey plumage. IUCN Status: The shoebill stork is listed as ‘Vulnerable by the International Union of the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). ![]() Range: The shoebill stork is found in wetland habitats in central African nations such as Rwanda, western Tanzania and Zambia. Despite its name, the shoebill stork is not related to other storks, but is more closely related to herons, pelicans and the hamerkop ( Scopus umbretta) (1). Related Species: The shoebill stork is the only extant member of the family Balanicipitidae. ![]() We’re moving onto the second course of the Congo Basin three course meal with a request issue submitted first by and then And remember if you want to request an issue on an amazing animal, fabulous fungus, perplexing plant or awesome paleofauna, don’t hesitate to leave a request in the comments. ![]()
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