This stork-like bird is probably best known for, you guessed it, its massive beak. In fact, the bill

This stork-like bird is probably best known for, you guessed it, its massive beak. In fact, the bill is so big, it’s earned the bird a nickname: “whalehead.” But you won’t find this bird in the ocean, its preferred habitat are the marshes and freshwater swamps of east Africa. Today, enjoy a few facts about the shoebill (Balaeniceps rex): It’s okay to admit. To some eyes, these birds could be seen as a tad frightening. They’re big, with some shoebills standing over 4 feet (1.22 meters) tall and weighing around 12 pounds (5.4 kg). Shoebills have a large prominent beak that looks a lot like a wooden shoe. They also have surprisingly large feet (see photo above), which may help them navigate shallow waters surfaced with floating vegetation.When it comes to mating, shoebills are monogamous. Both males and females participate in all aspects of the chick rearing. And as the University of Michigan notes, shoebills engage in “egg watering,” filling their beaks with water and dumping that on eggs to help keep them cool. As Audubon points out, the diet of a shoebill is diverse and ranges from eels and lungfish to baby crocodiles. While hunting, the birds will stand and wait or slowly stalk through vegetation in shallow water until they can find a meal.(Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons / Source: University of Michigan: Animal Diversity Web, IUCN Red List (Vulnerable), Wikimedia Commons, Audubon) -- source link

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