massive gray body; long legs; spreading toes (Zoo; 2008-10-21)


Shoebill
Balaeniceps rex

Native Range: Africa

Notes: a massive and unmistakable bird of central African swamps; it has a huge bill shaped somewhat like a large wooden shoe, hence the bird's name; feeds on smal vertebrates such as frogs and fish; when it clas its bill it makes a loud hollow "dok" sound; no sexual dimorphism.

dorsal view; massive bill; small crest on head (Zoo; 2008-10-21)
ventral view; blue-gray plumage all over (Zoo; 2008-10-21)

side view; neck not particularly long (Zoo; 2008-10-21)
posing for a portrait; unmistakable shoe-like bill (Zoo; 2008-10-21)