![]() The Shoebill uses its clog-shaped bill to scoop up and decapitate its prey, as well as bring water to its chicks to keep them cool in the hot African sun. These birds are so unique looking they have even been found on ancient Egyptian artwork. They don’t talk much, but when they do, their machine gun clatter just might make you duck for cover. Shoebills’ penetrating “death” stare will stop you dead in your tracks. And if you think you can win in a staring contest with one of these guys, think again. Some refer to this bird as the whale-headed stork or Abu-Markhub, which means “father of a slipper” in Arabic, because its bill looks like a large slipper. It’s actually more closely related to pelicans. You’d think with a common name like the shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex), this four-foot-tall monstrosity, with wings spanning seven feet across, would be in the stork family. It does not store any personal data.Photo: Shoebill, Dixie Sommers The Shoebill: A Slippery Story The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Granted, shoebills don’t fly very far or very often, but flying is no mean feat considering they can grow up to 1.5m tall and weigh up to 7kg! They may be big, but they can fly if they want to. Occasionally frogs, snakes, snails, rodents & even baby crocodiles.ġ. The shoebill stork will not threaten humans, but will only stare right back at them. Researchers studying these birds have been able to come within 6 feet of a shoebill stork on its nest. Shoebill storks are very docile with humans. As land is cleared for pasture, habitat loss is a major threat, and sometimes cattle will trample on nests. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature estimates that there are only between 3,300 and 5,300 adult shoebills left in the world, and the population is going down. READ: Which IIT is best for electronic engineering? This unusual bird is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which estimates that there are 3,300 to 5,300 mature shoebills remaining. If the visitors don’t bow, Sushi moves away and won’t let them touch him. If visitors bow to him, he bows as well and allows the people to touch him. Sushi the shoebill lives at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. What happens if you don’t bow to a shoebill stork? ![]() According to Audubon magazine, private collectors in Dubai and Saudi Arabia will pay $10,000 or more for a live shoebill. Unfortunately, their scarcity and mystique have also made shoebills a sought-after bird for poachers in the illegal wildlife trade. 2 What happens if you don’t bow to a shoebill stork?.
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