![]() ![]() The incubation period takes about 30 days and both parents are involved in guarding the nest and feeding the young ones. Both the female and male shoebills engage in the activity of nest building and the female usually lays about one to three eggs that weight 164g. During the mating season which is between April and June the male and female shoebill storks build nests of about 1-1.7 meters wide out of aquatic vegetation on floating platforms. The shoebill stork is known to be solitary and has a lifespan of about 35 to 50 years or even more. They shoebills are slow and their flying distance ranges between 100-500 meters, this is due to their flapping rate which is about 150 flaps per minute and their nature. The shoebill stork bird is described as statue like bird because it’s usually seen standing and staying still in one place for a long period of time. The length of the shoebill stork tail ranges from 100-140cm and their wingspans of about 230-260cm. The shoebill storks have a height range of about 110cm-140cm while standing tall on its legs and a long foot that goes up to 18cm which enables them to stand on aquatic vegetation. A mature female shoebill stork weighs about 4.9 kilograms while a male shoebill weight about 5.6 kilograms. The shoebill stork derives its name from its mouth which is in a shoe-like shape with a sharp bent beak. The shoe bill stork is has medium blue grey feathers with a tail which has the same color as the wings and when flying its legs extend straight back far past the tail and the neck draws back. The shoebill stork which is also known as Balaeniceps rex/ Whale head is one of the most sought after bird in Africa. Uganda is a home of more than 1050 bird species and it’s one of the best destinations in Africa where you can spot the rare and elusive shoebill stork. Shoebill stork bird in Uganda Uganda is known for its rich biodiversity which is comprised of variety of bird species including the elusive shoebill stork, different mammal species such as the big five mammals which are elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions and leopards, other animals like giraffes, zebras, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, primates like the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys among others. The shoebill is a sluggish bird that does not fly more than 500 meters depending on the individual.Shoebill Stork Bird in Uganda Shoebill Stork Bird in Uganda Their flying distance fluctuates between 100m-500m due to their huge size, and their flapping rate is roughly 150 flaps per minute. ![]() ![]() As it flies, its neck retracts in other words, it is retracted. This bird can be distinguished from other birds by its distinctive features, such as its feathers being medium blue-grey and its tail being the same color as its wings when it flies, its legs extend straight back far past its tail and when viewed from a distance, especially while in its habitat, its size and wingspan distinguish it from other birds.īecause they tend to stand and stay still for lengthy periods of time, shoebill stork birds are referred to as statue-like bird species. They typically do not enjoy human disturbances, therefore if they are disturbed, they may leave their nests and seek habitation elsewhere. However, while they are looking for food in a tallgrass region, they appear to be less afraid of people in case they come along. These birds are always drawn to fresh marsh waters that are depleted of oxygen and where fish frequently surface to breathe. Despite their size, they frequently stand and rest on floating foliage, where they always appear to be a Giant Jacana. Their breeding the shoebill stork birds’ lonely lifestyle also refers to their breeding. A pair of shoebill birds breeds in an area of roughly 2-4 square kilometers distant from other shoebills unlike pelicans, storks, herons, and other birds, they do not nest in colonies. Nesting begins shortly after the conclusion of the rainy season in the northern and southern regions, but in most central locations, the shoebill stork birds begin nesting, the period at the end of a wet season so that they can hatch at the beginning of the following wet season. These birds make their nests on floating platforms composed of aquatic plants, and both male and female shoebills participate in this activity. The nests are always roughly 1 to 1.7 meters broad and made of aquatic vegetation. The shoebill stork bird lays one to three eggs weighing around 164 g and incubates them for nearly 30 days, although they seldom raise more than one young. Both male and female shoebills carefully defend their nestlings, albeit the female is more protective, and they feed their young ones by bringing back their swallowed food directly from the gullet and placing it in the bills of their young ones. Though these birds are always silent, they make incredible machine-gun noises. ![]()
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