These flightless behemoths from Africa stand up to nine feet (2.7 m) tall! Weight Of course, neither of these birds rival the Ostrich ( Struthio camelus), the world's tallest (and heaviest) bird. These elegant birds grow to over five and a half feet (170 cm), just a few inches taller than the Shoebill. The World's tallest flying bird is the Sarus Crane ( Antigone antigone) of Asia and Australia. Both species can measure over four and a half feet tall. Shoebills are very similar in size and weight to the highly endangered Whooping Crane ( Grus americana) of North America. In fact, very few flying birds equal their height. Shoebill Storks compared to other bird species Their cavernous beaks are also great for carrying water back to their chicks. Their large beaks have sharp tips and edges, great for getting hold of slippery prey like lungfish and catfish. Shoebills often swallow their prey whole and regurgitate whole meals to their growing chicks, unlike birds of prey with smaller, tearing bills. You might be wondering why Shoebills have such massive and unusual bills. Long toes prevent them from sinking into the mud and stabilize their tall and heavy bodies when standing on swamp vegetation. Having long legs is a major advantage when walking through these swampy environments. These blue-gray goliaths live, nest, and hunt in the freshwater wetlands from Sudan to Zambia. The Shoebill's large size means it has few predators apart from crocodiles and humans. These predatory birds have varied diets, including catfish, water snakes, and even baby crocodiles. Shoebill Storks are shaped by their environment, their prey, and the other species that share their habitat. Would you like to learn more about the size of Shoebill Storks? Read along for more fascinating facts and a comparison with other large birds. Their numbers are declining due to several human-caused factors, and their population stands at just a few thousand individuals. In fact, Shoebills are classified as vulnerable according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Shoebills have an undeniably intimidating appearance, although they pose no danger to humans. These massive birds use their long toes and feet to stalk through shallow, reed-filled wetlands in search of their prey. Their impressive wingspan can stretch to over eight feet. Shoebill Storks can stand over four feet tall and weigh nearly fifteen pounds. They are best known for their massive bills and large size, but just how big are Shoebill Storks? These strange, Central African waders are not really storks at all, and in fact, form their very own family called the Balaenicipitidae. The Shoebill Stork ( Balaeniceps rex) is one of the world’s most distinctive and remarkable birds.
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