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Balaeniceps rex
This is a "very large stork-like bird. It derives its name from its massive shoe-shaped bill. The adult bird is 115 to 150 centimeters (45 to 59 in) tall, 100 to 140 centimeters (39 to 55 in) long, 230 to 260 centimeters (91 to 100 in) across the wingspan and weighs 4 to 7 kilograms (8.8 to 15 lb). Their beaks have an average length of 30 centimeters (12 in). The adult is mainly grey while the juveniles are browner." - Wikipedia
San Diego Zoo Safari Park. "It lives in tropical east Africa in large swamps from Sudan to Zambia." - Wikipedia
Aka Whalehead. "Shoebills feed in muddy waters, preying on fish, frogs, reptiles such as baby crocodiles, and small mammals. They nest on the ground and lay from 1 to 3 eggs, usually during the dry season. These eggs measure 80 to 90 millimeters (3.1 to 3.5 in) x 57 to 61 millimeters (2.2 to 2.4 in). Both parents incubate the eggs for about a month. The newborn chicks will be able to fly after about 100 days, while it will take them 3 years before they become fully sexually mature." - Wikipedia
Spotted on Apr 3, 2012
Submitted on Apr 5, 2012
3 Comments
Living dinosaur is a great description! When I saw this stork at the Lowry Park Zoo (Tampa, FL), it was right up next to the edge of the enclosure and I didn't see it until I was almost right next to it. I was expecting something smaller (like a boat-billed heron) or less intimidating. I was quite startled and had to take a few steps back!
They really are! I kept thinking I was looking at a living Dinosaur :)
Such amazing looking birds!