The Shoebill; one of the sought-after Uganda birding safari bird specie

The Shoebill; one of the sought-after Uganda birding safari bird specie

The shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) is a very large stork-like bird that has previously been classified with the storks in the order Ciconiiformes based on its morphology though with genetic evidence it is placed with the Pelecaniformes. It has a somewhat stork-like overall form deriving its name from its enormous shoe-shaped bill measuring an incredible 23 centimetres in length and 10 centimetres in width, with a razor-sharp, curved hook at the end. The shoebill is a rare bird specie found in the marshes of East Africa surviving in few numbers. The adult shoebill is mainly grey while the juveniles are browner in plumage.


The Shoebill is a tall bird with a typical height ranging from 110 to 140 cm (43 to 55in) and length ranging from 100-140cm (39 to 55 in). Its wing span is 230 to 260cm. Many tourists on Uganda birding safaris have always gone for the search of these bird species in the wetland Marshes and a bird no avid birder would love to miss on a travel to Uganda.

Where to find the Shoebill in Uganda

Mabamba Wetland

Murchison Falls National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Rugogo swamp in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Lake Mburo National Park

Semuliki National Park

Why many avid birders search for the shoebill and why you should love this big bird

The big bird can actually fly when they have to though they can not fly very far.

Shoebills feed on lung fish (staple food), other bird species, baby crocodiles, frogs, terrapins., water snakes and even small mammals. Seeing a shoebill catch its early morning prey is one of the best moments for many birders on a Uganda birding safari.

The large bill of the shoebill is used to carry large ‘gulps’ of fresh water back to the nest in order to douse eggs or chicks when the sweltering heat of the swamps drives temperatures beyond normality. The other fascinating techniques to cool down involve defecating on their legs just as storks do too.

The shoebill always hatches two chicks though only one that proves to be the strongest survives and grows to an adult.

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