The Shoebill stork is an incredible bird that is five feet tall and seven-inch longer beak. It is one of the strongest birds in the world that can tear its prey apart with a long beak. Originating from African forests Shoebill has prehistoric features. This pelican is believed to take down even crocodiles which Egyptians adore about this creature.
Further, Shoebill stork is called the living dinosaur due to its features. There are many amusing facts about the bird that describe its unique features. Let us see more details about the fascinating Shoebill stork and its habitat.
The meat-eating shoebill and its features
The appearance of Shoebill looks similar to an eagle. With a height of four and a half feet, it scares predators in the wild. With a sturdy beak, it can easily decapitate a huge lungfish in seconds. Due to its amusing strength, it is known as the modern-day dinosaur. Ancient meat-eating dinosaur is a theropod to which Shoebill is compared.
Further, the theropod has more scary features such as sharp teeth and rugged feathers. However, Shoebill looks amusing in ash blue colour and a wide beak. The character of the Shoebill stork is similar to its pelicans. The violent hunting tactic of this bird makes it one of the most intriguing creatures in the forest.
Plus, there are a few similarities between this stork and the herons. The eaters of this stork’s tummy look the same as herons. Despite all these lookalike features from other birds the Shoebill is classified as avian family.
Strong beaks that can even crush crocodiles
The extraordinary feature of the shoebill stork is its beak. The large and wide beak is the first feature you see in this stork. Besides pelicans, the shoebill has one of the large beaks. The beak of the shoebill is as strong as a wooden clog. Its unique name rises from the sturdy beak of this bird. The beak is not only stored but it is spacious to store huge prey. With this beak, they can make unique sounds to capture the attention.
Furthermore, they can make loud clapping sounds during the mating season. Experts after researching this unique shoebill stork say that its sound is similar to a machine gun shot. There are much more intriguing uses of Shoebill’s beak. During hot weather, this stork used its beak to cool itself. With their huge beak, they scoop water and bathe. However, one of the deadly uses of this beak is for hunting.
The intriguing hunting tactic of the shoebill stork
Unlike other birds, the shoebill stork is a daytime hunter. Usually, they prey on small predators such as frogs and lungfish. However, they are known to hunt down and tear apart baby crocodiles. The fact that these birds have a strong beak to rip crocodiles’ skin is an extraordinary discovery.
Further, there are several territories of this stork in the wild. They can hunt their prey on the land and water too. They are expert hunters who remain motionless until they catch their prey. The sneaky hunting skills of this bird help them to get plenty of food in the wild. The shoebill first targets prey. After this, they watch the movement of the prey to attack them at a full speed.
Once they catch the prey there is no way for it to escape. Within seconds the stork uses its full force to rip its prey into pieces. This deadly hunting technique makes it one of the daring birds of the wild. Also, the stork finishes its prey in one gulp. Even though the facts about this creature are splendid they are facing a huge challenge in recent years. Let us see why the Shoebill stork species is reducing.
The shoebill stork is an endangered species
Even though, the shoebill stork is a fearless predator they appear on the endangered species list. Even with exceptional hunting skills, the bird is not able to sustain itself in the wild. In recent years the international animal conservation union adds shoebill stork to threatened species. There are few years for the species to go on the endangered list. The number of shoe bill stork in the wild is decreasing.
Further, the only reason they are declining is due to overhunting. People in wetlands hunt these birds for zoo trade. The reduced wetland habitat of the bird is another reason for this. According to the conservation union, there are only 3500 to 5300 Shoebill storks in the world.
There is some measure by locals to preserve these creatures by not hunting them. Also, this magnificent is with amusing qualities is on the verge of extinction due to the mistake of humans.
Birdwatchers record a beautiful day of shoebill stork
Shoebill stork is a non-migratory bird found in the regions of Sudan. There are plenty of such birds in Uganda’s wetlands. This solitary bird collects plant remains in the wild to make a beautiful nest. Their survival strategy is by living in the deep swamp that is far away from predators. Due to their brilliant survival strategy, they stay away from huge crocodiles. Unlike ordinary bird watching it is not possible to witness the shoebill stork in the wild. Humans take many risks to get to this bird.
Even in the hot climate of Africa, the birds keep themselves cool. The legs of this bird play a major role to manage heat. Their legs can generate a chilling effect on their body. Fluttering their beak also helps them to deal with hot weather. In the mating season, the shoebill makes a cool nest with wet plant remains. These strokes use their nest for many years. Shoebill lays three eggs at a time. Plus, both male and female storks incubate their eggs till hatching.
Shoebill stork only nurtures the healthy chick. If the parents see that there is a weak they do not nurture it. This stork with a large body and wings weighs 15 pounds. Shoebill stork is a delight for birdwatchers. Despite their declining number, some countries impose strict penalties on hunting. In Saudi Arabia and Dubai, the penalty for hunting shoebill stork is 10000 dollars. With more conservation measures people hope that this magnificent bird will survive.
Also read: 10 Facts About Hummingbird
