Balaenicipitidae - Shoebill
 There is only one bird in this family. The shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) is a wading bird found in the papyrus swamps of the White Nile River in east central Africa from Sudan to Zambia.
It has a large, hooked, shoe-shaped bill; long, strong legs; and gray feathers. It is 3½-4½ feet in length.
The shoebill probes in the mud with its bill to locate prey like frogs, small crocodiles, and fish. When it is in flight, it tucks its neck back like herons do. The shoebill is also known as the whale-headed stork.
The shoebill gets its name from its huge shoe-shaped bill.
World Status Key
 Least Concern  Near Threatened  Vulnerable  Endangered  Critically Endangered  Extinct in Wild  Extinct  Not Enough Data
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist.
U.S. Status Key
 Threatened in US  Endangered in US  Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife. Click on U.S. status icon to go to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife species profile. |
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New Hampshire Status Key
 Threatened in NH  Endangered in NH  Breeds in NH (birds)
Status taken from NH Fish and Game
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Location Key
 Africa  Asia  Australia/Oceania  Europe  North America  South America  NH  Click for More Info  Click for Image
New Hampshire Species |
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North/Central American Species |
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None |
Species Around the World |
Shoebill - Balaeniceps rex |
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Additional Information Resource Key
 Profile  Photos  Video  Audio
Shoebill - Balaeniceps rex
The shoebill feeds on fish, frogs, small mammals, and reptiles.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School
Shoebill - Balaeniceps rex
The shoebill is 3.5 to 4.5 feet tall..
Source: Internet Bird Collection Intended Audience: General Reading Level: N/A
Shoebill - Balaeniceps rex
There are around 5,000-8,000 shoebills in the wild.
Source: BirdLife International Intended Audience: General Reading Level: High School Teacher Section:No
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