![]() When flying, they retract their necks, like pelicans.Their wings are broad and good for soaring. For context, Lebron James’ wingspan is 218 cm, shorter than an adult shoebill’s. Their wingspan ranges from 230 cm to 260 cm.And the tallest one ever found was 152 cm tall. A giant bird who could be over 2 meters tall.The only confirmed ancestor of the shoebill is the Golithia. ![]() Their population is declining in some parts of its range.50 to 80% of the population lives in South Sudan.But some vagrants have been spotted as far west as the Congo River. They live in eastern Africa, usually in swamps, from Sudan to Zambia.Perhaps interestingly, before DNA testing was commonplace, one of the first clues about their place in the bird family tree was that their eggs have pretty much the same eggshell, or “ crystallized eggshell and the accessory material (cuticle and cover) located in the outer surface of the shell”.They have historically been linked with storks, but they’re closer to herons, ibis, and pelicans than to storks.The only other member of their family is the hamerkop, named after their hammer-like head. They’re one of the only members of their genus.Shoebills are large African birds named after their huge shoe-like bill.Shoebills have several ways of cooling themselves, including gular fluttering, i.e., expanding their throat sac to allow greater air passage and defecating on their legs to keep them from being exposed to heat.The presence of the nictitating membrane keeps their eyes moist, also protecting them from dirt and dust. Their vision is strong, and they rely on it entirely for hunting.Their long toes that lack webbing help the shoebill walk on vegetation easily, like the jacana, while maintaining their balance using their wings. ![]()
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