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Shoebill

Shoebill
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Balaenicipitidae
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 ion 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:

Ciconiiformes