Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex)

About Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex)

• Kingdom: Animals
• Phylum: Chordates
• Class: Birds
• Order: Pelicans
• Family: Shoebill

Shoebill storks inhabit freshwater swamps and extensive, dense marshes. They are often found in areas of flood plain interspersed with undisturbed papyrus and reedbeds. When shoebill storks are in an area with deep water, a bed of floating vegetation is a requirement. They are also found where there is poorly oxygenated water. This causes the fish living in the water to surface for air more often, increasing the likelihood a shoebill stork will successfully capture it.

Habitat Regions: tropical ; saltwater or marine

Wetlands: marsh ; swamp

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