Shoebill
Balaeniceps rex
ok. 100 cmAdult female · przykład ok. 100 cm
to the top of the head
to the top of the head
- Mass
- approx. 5 kgPrzykład dorosłej samicy
Shoebill — size comparison
The shoebill inhabits extensive tropical African wetlands. It has grey plumage, long legs and a huge bill resembling a wooden shoe. A sharp hook at its tip help
Silhouette comparison
Height
Ground the top of the headReference values · details in the profiles
HeightScale in m
00,20,40,60,81
approx. 100 cm
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Shoebill — size comparison — facts and sources
The shoebill inhabits extensive tropical African wetlands. It has grey plumage, long legs and a huge bill resembling a wooden shoe. A sharp hook at its tip helps hold slippery prey. It is the only living member of the shoebill family, with an outline distinct from storks and herons.
It usually hunts alone, standing motionless among aquatic plants before lunging forwards when a fish is detected. Amphibians, water snakes and other small vertebrates are also taken. After an attack, it discards accidentally gathered vegetation and prepares the prey for swallowing.
The nest is built from vegetation in wetlands. Adults defend the surrounding area and communicate during encounters through bill-clattering, among other signals. Extensive, quiet reedbeds provide both hunting grounds and shelter for breeding.
Plansza pokazuje mniejszą dorosłą samicę o orientacyjnej wysokości 100 cm. Reportaż z Kobe Animal Kingdom opisuje taką wysokość u samicy Marimby. To przykład rozmiaru, nie jej portret ani średnia gatunku; San Diego Zoo podaje ogólny zakres 110–140 cm.