Shoebill

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{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Shoebill | status = Conservation status: Lower risk (nt) | image = Shoebill.jpeg | image_width = 200px | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Aves | ordo = Ciconiiformes | familia = Balaenicipitidae | familia_authority = Bonaparte, 1853 | genus = Balaeniceps | species = B. rex | binomial = Balaeniceps rex | binomial_authority = Gould, 1850 }}

The Shoebill or Whalehead (Balaeniceps rex) is a very large bird related to the storks. It derives its name from its massive shoe-shaped bill.

The Shoebill is a large (60in) grey bird, although the juveniles are browner. It lives in tropical east Africa, especially Uganda. It nests on the ground, laying 2 eggs.

Shoebills feed in muddy waters, preying on lungfish and similar fish.

The Shoebill makes up one of the families in the order Ciconiiformes, which also includes other wading bird groups:

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