Shoebill Stork, a Bird that Likes to Sculpture!

Have you ever heard of a bird that likes to stare for hours? It turns out there is, you know, this animal. His name is Shoebill Stork. Want to know more about this animal? Read the explanation until the end!

The Stork Shoebill is a bird endemic to Africa, specifically in the South and Zambia, which has lived since prehistoric times. With the Latin name Balaeniceps Rex, this giant bird's habitat is in the form of swamps. The Shoebill has sharp yellowish-grey eyes, a large, sturdy beak, dark gray feathers and skin, and a white belly.

His body size resembles that of a teenager. How come? This fish-loving bird can grow from 1 meter to 1.5 meters in height. When it stretches its wings, its width reaches about 2.4 meters. The Shoebill's wings are so large that it can fly high even though it requires a strong push from its legs, considering its body size.

This animal, which is called the ruler of the swamp because of its large and frightening appearance, can flap its wings at a speed of 150 per minute when flying. Their lifespan in the wild can reach 35 years, while in captivity, they can survive up to 50 years. It's really great, isn't it?

This large bird from Africa is a predator of swamp animals such as eels, fish, monitor lizards, and baby crocodiles. However, his favorite food is lungfish. With a sturdy and strong beak 24 cm long and 20 cm thick, it is easier and faster to devour its prey.

At first glance, this bird looks like a heron or a pelican, both of which live in water. This has caused debate. After the researchers examined DNA samples and eggshell samples, they got the answer that this large bird was closely related to pelicans, which belong to the Pelecaniformes family.

When hunting, the Shoebill will stand still and wait for hours until its prey approaches. Only then did its sturdy beak lunge forward, leaving no room for its meal to escape. Because this animal is a territorial animal, anyone who destroys its area will become its food.

Unfortunately, the Stork Shoebill is on the list of endangered birds. One of the causes is poaching for their skins or as expensive pets.

Image source: Shoebill Stork Images | commons.wikimedia.org