The Shoebill

     I'm sure you've seen this bird all over the internet, so I'm gonna give some info on what they're like! Shoebills are found in marshes, swamps and wetlands in East Africa. They are a very unique bird, belonging to their own family of birds.

     This bird enjoys its own space, and are usually seen alone in solitary. They can stay still for hours, which can make it hard to tell if it's hunting in shallow waters or resting. They will use their huge, sharp beak to decapitate fish and eat them. Another way they use their beak is by making a loud clapping noise with it, which will scare off unwanted guests and sometimes impress a mate.

     The shoebill is classified as "vulnerable" and on a steep decline in population. This is caused by habitat loss, hunting and global warming. Efforts are being made to keep this prehistoric looking bird from going extinct! 

Interesting videos:

Shoebill Beak Clattering

Shoebill Eating Mice and Fish

Sources:

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