There is only one bird in this family. The shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) is a wading bird found in the papyrus swamps of the White Nile River in east central Africa from Sudan to Zambia.
It has a large, hooked, shoe-shaped bill; long, strong legs; and gray feathers. It is 3½-4½ feet in length.
The shoebill probes in the mud with its bill to locate prey like frogs, small crocodiles, and fish. When it is in flight, it tucks its neck back like herons do.
The shoebill is also known as the whale-headed stork. The shoebill gets its name from its huge shoe-shaped bill.
Status and range is taken from IUCN Redlist
Status taken from NH Fish and Game
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