They will also sometimes feed on rats, turtles, small birds, snails, and other small mammals. Their favorite food is lungfish, and they also frequently feed on Senegal bichir, tilapia, catfish, snakes, young crocodiles, frogs, and Nile monitors. Shoebills are carnivorous birds, and primarily feed on fish and other aquatic creatures. They have also been sighted in a number of nearby locations within Africa, but the vast majority of the population lives in central Africa. They can be found in the southern portions of Sudan, the eastern Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, western Tanzania, and the northern portions of Zambia. These birds are found exclusively in the tropical area of central Africa. They are occasionally spotted in flooded agricultural plantations and rice fields. Virtually every wetland that this species can be found in has papyrus, typha, and phragmites plants.

They live in swamps with mixed papyrus plants and other vegetation. They are successful at hunting in aquatic environments, and most often live in freshwater swamps and marshes. This species has a relatively restricted range and habitat. They will also prey on crocodiles! Well, baby crocodiles (they’re big, but not that big!).

After a While, Crocodile – When we say these birds are impressive predators, we mean it! They are carnivorous, and have been known to feed on lungfish, eels, snakes, frogs, rats, and lizards.

The blood circulating through that area is cooled by their poop, and reduces their overall body temperature. One effective cooling method these birds employ is defecating on their own feet and legs.

Cool Excrement – No we don’t mean they have cool looking poop, we mean their feces is literally cool! Under the hot African sun, these birds will do just about anything to cool off.

So still, in fact, that prey doesn’t even realize they’re there! When a tasty frog or eel swims by, the shoebill lunges forward and snaps its sharp bill around its meal.

They can stand incredibly still for long periods of time. Patient Predator – These birds utilize those long legs while hunting by wading into the waters of marshes and ponds.While they naturally draw attention because of their unusual appearance, there are a number of fun facts that many people don’t know about these interesting birds! These predators are surprisingly fierce and vicious while dispatching prey.

Baby shoebill noise