Facts About Shoebill Stork, Behaviours, food , All you need to know
The shoebill stork is a highly sought-after bird among birdwatchers in Uganda. Birding trips in Uganda have proliferated over the New Year, with the shoebill ranking as the foremost species on birders’ lists. The shoebill is a rare species to find, mostly inhabiting the wetlands of tropical African countries such as Uganda, South Sudan, eastern Congo, Rwanda, western Tanzania, and northern Zambia, among others.
The research on shoebill storks is extensive, potentially requiring an entire episode to comprehend these remarkable species comprehensively.
Under the guidelines of Gorilla Trekking in Africa, one can acquire knowledge about the shoebill and its behaviors on a birdwatching’s expedition in the Pearl of Africa.
Shoebill storks are characterized by their silence, which aids in the capture of prey; they stealthily approach and, upon sighting their target, spring forward to seize it with their enormous, shoe-shaped bill. Occasionally, shoebills have been observed producing various vocalizations and signals, including as mooing, head waving, clapping, and harsh cries for communication. This bird is recognized for its lethargic growth and tendency to remain motionless for prolonged durations, thereby earning the characterization of the species as “sculpture-like.”
Shoebill storks typically defecate on themselves, and studies have shown that they employ their excrement to regulate their body temperature, a behavior confirmed to be characteristic of all stork species. Shoebill storks are recognized as solitary avian species that prefer to inhabit alone. Hunting occurs individually, with the primary instance of male and female interaction occurring during the mating season; post-mating, each bird operates autonomously. The shoebill stork often perches on floating plants to enhance its appearance.
Here are some facts regarding the remarkable shoebill stork in Uganda that you should consider while engaging in Uganda Birding Safaris and observing them in their native surroundings.
Gestation Duration of the Shoebill Stork.
The Shoebill stork derives its name from its enormous shoe-shaped bill. This bird is sometimes referred to by several names, such as the whale head, whale-headed stork, or shoe-billed stork. Adult male Shoebill stork is gray, whilst the juveniles exhibit a browner coloration. Shoebill storks possess elongated feet of approximately 18 cm and may attain a height of 4 to 5 feet while standing on two legs. An adult female shoebill stork can weigh approximately 6 kg, whereas an adult male shoebill typically weighs about 5 kg, equating to roughly 12 pounds. Shoebill storks possess serrated mandibles that facilitate the decapitation or dismemberment of their prey, while also eliminating any surrounding vegetation after capturing it.
Physical description.
The incubation period for a shoebill stork is 30 days. A female shoebill stork can produce one to three eggs, measuring 80 to 90 mm in height, 56 to 61 mm in width, and weighing approximately 164 grams. The female deposits its eggs in a nest around 1 to 1.7 meters wide and can extend up to 3 meters deep. The two guardians engage in constructing the dwelling on a floating platform. Upon hatching, the chicks get nourishment from their parents until around 105 days of age, at which point they are capable of fledging. Juvenile shoebill storks attain sexual maturity at the age of three years.
Longevity of the Shoebill Stork. Shoebill storks have a longer lifespan compared to other avian species. The life expectancy of a shoebill stork ranges from 35 to 50 years.
Habitat of the Shoebill stork.
The Shoebill stork is predominantly found in Uganda, which hosts approximately 1,000 individuals. Birdwatchers can most effectively observe this species in areas such as Mabamba Marsh near Lake Victoria, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park in the Ishasha region, Semliki Wildlife Reserve, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, as well as Nabajuzi Swamp in Masaka District and Bigodi Wetland adjacent to Kibale National Park. Uganda is a paradise for birdwatchers, including numerous rare and unique species globally.
Feeding habits of the Shoebill Stork.
The food of the Shoebill Stork primarily consists of aquatic mammals, including lungfish, mudfish, catfish, eels, juvenile crocodiles, water snakes, tilapia, snails, Nile monitors, turtles, small ducks, and frogs. The shoebill stork has a distinctive hunting strategy known as ‘freeze and grasp’ to capture its prey.
In summary, these are essential facts on the renowned Uganda shoebill stork while you explore various destinations in Uganda.
When is the best time to see shoebill storks?
best time for watching the shoebill stork in Mabamba is during the dry season, when these birds emerge from the deeper areas of the swamp in search of sustenance and resources. The early mornings of each day may offer the optimal opportunity to observe the shoebill, as fishing activity is minimal at this period.
During the dry season, the water remains tranquil due to the diminished winds that would otherwise disturb the surface. The dry season typically occurs in June, July, August, September, December, January, and early February.
In the dry season, photographing or filming the shoebill and other swamp birds becomes easier, as various angles can be utilized to capture these exotic avians. Mabamba Swamp is situated approximately 12 kilometers from Entebbe and serves as an excellent birding location in Uganda, accessible from Entebbe Airport. The island is accessible by boat, and local community members near the marsh are available to assist for a nominal price. Mabamba Swamp was designated as a RAMSAR site in 2006. This wetland safeguards a substantial population of shoebills that prey on lungfish.
The path to Mabamba marsh is narrow, with distinct aquatic vegetation along both sides.