![]() ![]() Shoebills are the only member of their genus Balaeniceps, and the only living member of their family, Balaenicipitidae. The global population is currently estimated at between 5,000-8,000 birds and the species is classed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Shoebill is undergoing a continuing decline owing to the effects of habitat destruction and degradation, pollution, nest disturbance, hunting, and capture for the live bird trade. This enigmatic bird has captured the fascination of people across cultures, giving rise to both myths and scientific intrigue. The breeding season varies, being dependent on Africa’s seasonal flood cycle. The shoebill is a remarkable and iconic bird species native to the marshes, swamps, and wetlands of tropical East Africa, predominantly found in countries such as Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, and parts of Congo. Although a clutch of up to three dull, chalky-white eggs is laid, typically only one nestling survives due to inter-sibling rivalry, where the larger (generally first born) chick will out-compete and/or kill its siblings. ![]() The construction can be up to three metres wide. The Shoebill is undergoing a continuing decline owing to the effects of habitat destruction and degradation, pollution, nest disturbance, hunting, and capture. The nest is large and flattened, built amid swamp grasses or sedges and usually on a mound of floating vegetation or a small island. Individuals are highly solitary – often the male and female in a breeding pair prefer to occupy different ends of their shared territory. This large waterbird is unmistakable due to its unique ‘shoe-shaped’ bill which gives it an almost prehistoric appearance – reminding us of birds’ dinosaur ancestry.įound in nine countries across Africa the species has a large range, but exists in small localised populations concentrated around swamps and wetlands. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |