After a While, Crocodile – When we say these birds are impressive predators, we mean it! They are carnivorous, and have been known to feed on lungfish, eels, snakes, frogs, rats, and lizards.The blood circulating through that area is cooled by their poop, and reduces their overall body temperature. One effective cooling method these birds employ is defecating on their own feet and legs. Cool Excrement – No we don’t mean they have cool looking poop, we mean their feces is literally cool! Under the hot African sun, these birds will do just about anything to cool off.So still, in fact, that prey doesn’t even realize they’re there! When a tasty frog or eel swims by, the shoebill lunges forward and snaps its sharp bill around its meal. They can stand incredibly still for long periods of time. Patient Predator – These birds utilize those long legs while hunting by wading into the waters of marshes and ponds.While they naturally draw attention because of their unusual appearance, there are a number of fun facts that many people don’t know about these interesting birds! Habitat loss and climate change are major drivers of their decline.These predators are surprisingly fierce and vicious while dispatching prey. There may be as many as 15,000 left in the world. The Shoebill is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. When present they are indicative of a healthy ecosystem. Good indicator species of freshwater ecosystems.They also will prey on lizards, small crocs, other birds and more. They prefer fish such as lungfish, tilapia, and catfish.As the warm blood runs through their legs it helps evaporate the liquid waste, acting like sweat does in mammals. To cool off they will defecate on their legs.Bills have a sharp point at end used to catch prey.Live into their 30s (oldest known is 36 years).This is rather slow compared to other birds. Because they are not migratory they can afford to be this large and on average beat their wings 150 times per minute. Their large bills can be almost 10 inches (24 cm) long. Their wingspans can stretch nearly 8.5 feet (2.5 m) and they can weigh as much as 15 lbs. Shoebills are large birds standing nearly 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. These birds are native to Central Africa and are non-migratory birds. The Shoebill scientific name is Balaeniceps Rex. Not much more is known specifically about Shoebills and their evolution currently. This order did not emerge until around 65 million years ago. The Shoebill is one of four families, to also include the hamerkop, ibises, spoonbills, herons, egrets and bitterns. While pelicans once were part of this order, recent DNA evidence has them splitting off. The Shoebill is a member of the order Pelecaniformes. This is an incredible bird that will bring a smile to your face.īirds date back nearly 160 million years. From their natural history, ecological impacts, their physiology, reproduction and behavior. In this week’s podcast we cover everything Shoebill. The Shoebill is a prized sighting by many bird watchers and now we know why. It is a large bird that preys on anything from tilapia, lungfish to lizards and small crocodiles. Native to central Africa, the Shoebill has carved out its ecological niche as a predator and plays a key role in maintaining freshwater ecosystems. It quite simply earned its name because it’s beak looks like an old Dutch wooden shoe. What draws most to this bird is its enormous beak. The Shoebill, or also known as Shoebill Stork, Death Pelican, Whalehead, and others, is one unique bird.
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