shoebill, (Balaeniceps rex), also called shoe-billed stork or whale-headed stork, large African wading bird, a single species that constitute the family Balaenicipitidae (order Balaenicipitiformes, Ciconiiformes, or Pelecaniformes). The species is named for its clog-shaped bill, which is an adaptation for catching and holding the large, slippery lungfish, its favorite food. This big bird also eats turtles, fish, and young crocodiles. Shoebills stand about 115 cm (3.8 feet) tall. They are entirely gray, with broad wings and long legs. The head is large in proportion to the body, and the eyes are also exceptionally large. The shoebill claps the mandibles of its bill together as a display, producing a loud, hollow sound. Like herons and pelicans, shoebills fly with the head held back against the body. They nest on either floating vegetation or solid mounds and lay one to three white eggs, which hatch in about 30 days. Shoebills inhabit swampy regions in and around the White Nile area of northeastern Africa.
COMMON NAME: Shoebills
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Balaeniceps rex
TYPE: Birds
DIET: Carnivore
AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: 35 years
AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN CAPTIVITY: 50 years
SIZE: 3.5 to five feet tall
WEIGHT: 11 pounds (females); 12 pounds (males)
