Shoebill storks, which are also known as whale-headed storks, are found in Africa, and will normally inhabit the eastern side of the continent. Generally, the majority of their population can be found in Sudan, and in the wetlands of northern Uganda and western Tanzania. There are also similar species of this stork in other neighboring regions which can be easily mistaken for the Shoebill.
Generally, the storks are found in freshwater swamps, and dense marshes. They like areas where there is undisturbed papyrus for them, and reed beds. They also like highly vegetated areas as well. A shoebill stork is a smart predator, and will often find places to live where there are many fishes for them to prey on, and a higher chance that they will be able to capture one of the tasty fishes for themselves too. Because of this reason, shoebill storks can sometimes found in poorly oxygenated waters as the fish will have to rise to the top sooner for oxygen. The Shoebill storks have a higher chance of getting fish for themselves in those circumstances.
The Shoebill storks are large storks, and some even consider them frightful looking, and will refer to the movie Jurassic Park when referring to them. The Shoebill Storks will normally grow up 150 centimeters tall with males being larger with longer bills. They are a blue-grey bird with darker colored head. Just like many other birds and animals, the Shoebill storks have a lighter underside. They have feathers at the back of their heads which can turn into a crest. They have a large yellow beak with large beady eyes, and dark legs. They also have long toes.
Shoebill storks are solitary breeders, and are also very protective parents. They will defend their territory and their nests again any predators. Breeding season normally starts at the beginning of the dry season as it is the best time for them to raise their young. Their nests are normally materials made from grass usually, and weaved into the ground. Each breeding season, they will normally lay one to three eggs which are flaky white in color. Both parents will then care for their young; in fact, both parents participate in all aspects of caring for the young from building the nest to incubation. The parents will also teach their young how to eat by offering them food by holding up. The young will have to reach out, grab the food, and swallow the whole fish by itself.
For the most part, Shoebill storks eat lungfish, catfish, tilapia, and other small fishes that they may find in their aquatic environment. On occasion, they will consume other small animals in their diet like small frogs and other reptiles. Normally, they will hunt for their prey in shallow water, and tall vegetation as they can almost camouflage without being seen. Generally, when hunting the Shoebill stork will stand and wait patiently or wade and walk slowly. When they spot their prey, they will collapse into the water. Generally, they will catch both their prey and some other vegetation. They will remove the vegetation from their mouth by swaying side to side.
The shoebill storks are solitary creatures, and are hardly ever found in groups. They are also non-migratory and will stay in the same habitat for the better part of their lives if the condition is right. The Shoebill, however, are quite friendly and are approachable even by humans. While the Shoebills will not threaten humans who come close by to them, they will stare at their every move.
Solitary creatures are often quiet as well, and so is the shoebill stork. Technically, the shoebill stork will live a quiet life; however, they will often participate in bill-clattering which is used to greet each other if and when they meet. Normally, bill-clattering is performed by the adults only. Even young shoebill storks will often practice bill-clattering.
The shoebill storks generally do not have many predators. While the young and the eggs may be prone to predation, their parents are very careful in protecting their nest. In fact, the parents of the shoebill storks will generally aggressively protect their territory from any other animals which come close to it just to ensure the safety of their young. Because of this reason, the nests are inaccessible to many of the predators who prey on the nest.
Shoebill storks are often sold for food when they are caught by humans. Otherwise, the captured storks which are not dead will normally go to zoos as they will fetch a high price. Lastly, they are also very unique animals which will bring in tourists to the country; thus, the shoebill stocks actually have a high ecological and economical importance in the society, and our lives.
Currently, there isn’t much known about the shoebill stork’s population because they are scattered all over the continent. Also, most of these birds are inaccessible to humans in their habitats. There really isn’t a reliable number, but currently some say that there are not many of these birds left, and their population may actually be close to being threatened by us. In fact, their highest threat is probably habitat destruction as their nesting areas are being converted into agriculture land. Also, because they have a high selling price in zoos, it encourages many to capture these birds, and sell them to the zoos. In the wild, shoebill storks can live up to 36 years.
Shoebill storks are definitely a sight to see and have their interesting qualities and characteristics which sets them apart from the rest.
