Interesting Facts about the Iconic Shoebill stork

Shoe bills are solitary and silent birds that usually inhabit fresh water swamps. They are tall and large birds that have huge distinctive shoe shaped bills thus earning the name shoebill storks. These iconic birds like inhabiting waterlogged papyrus swamps usually found at the banks of freshwater bodies. They are commonly found in swampy areas of the West Nile and the neighboring South Sudan on the boggy banks of the Nile.

shoebill storks are endangered bird species that are related to pelicans and heron but belong to the stork family. Adult shoebill storks have irregular grey feathers while juvenile shoebill storks are grey colored but with a brown shade. They have long dark legs and large feet that enable them to stand on the marshy vegetation. They can grow up to 1.5 centimeters long and their feet reaches up to 18 centimeters long. The shoebill’s wings can spread up to 2.5 meters which they use the wings to fly and keep balance. They have a low flap rate compared to other birds but usually fly longer because they fold their head and neck backward while flying.

Breeding is done at the beginning of the dry season to prevent the submerging of the Nests made of aquatic vegetation. The females lay one to three eggs and incubation is done by both partners for about 30 days. Each breeding pair has a breeding territory that is about 4 km away from another breeding pair (shoebill storks).

After hatching, the chicks are fed for some months until they are ready to hunt their own food. they feed their chicks by regurgitating food from their gullet to the chicks’ bills.

Among all the chicks hatched, only one of them usually survives because it’s rare for shoebills to raise more than one chick. The other chicks are reserved as backup just in case the eldest is sickly or dies. They start flying when they are around 4 months and continue to be fed by their parents for more days until they are fit to hunt by themselves. Stronger young chicks are capable of hurting or eating their siblings.

There is rare interaction between these between these birds. They only interact during the breeding period and it will be just two mates. Even when a male and female are breeding, they will hunt their food separately. Shoebills are silent birds that only make noise in few occasions, mostly when they are ready to mate. They clatter their bills which makes loud scaring noises like sound like a machine gun. They defecate on themselves to stay cool. They can live up to 35 years in the wild with the presence of good conditions.

Where to find shoebills while on Uganda safari and birding safaris or excursions;

Mabamba swamp

This is the best and favorable place in Uganda where you can be able to see the elusive shoebill. Situated 40km in the west of Entebbe, Mabamba bay swamp is an important bird area hosting over 300 species of birds. A canoe ride through the swamp to see shoebills is best in the morning as they hunt for their prey. This is because stand still and quietly for some time while monitoring the motion of their prey. However, there is a possibility of spotting shoebills at any time of the day.

You can get to Mabamba swamp by driving from Kampala or Entebbe through interesting villages and woodlands as you spot other bird species. Alternatively, taking a boat ride on Lake Victoria is the best way to get because you will be able to see variety of bird species.

Mabamba swamp is also home to over 300 species of birds which include; long tailed cormorant, white-faced whistling duck, yellow billed duck, winding cristola, little egret, African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek, African mash harrier, black headed heron, malachite kingfisher, gonolek hammer kop, long toed lapwing among many others.

You can add a day to your Uganda or birding safari and go for a boat ride though the narrow canals of Mabamba swamp as you such for the elusive shoebill.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa is located in Nakasongola on the Kampala – Gulu highway on the way to Murchison falls National Park. The sanctuary is situated 176 kilometers from Kampala and is the only place in Uganda where you can find the white rhino. Most birders and tourists on Uganda safaris are always on a look out for the evasive shoebill. A visit to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary will allow you to explore Lugogo swamp on a canoe as you search for the shoebill storks.

Apart from the shoebill and the fascinating rhinos, Ziwa is also has four birding trails that will enable you to see birds that comprise of the over 300 species of birdlife. It is also home to Uganda kobs, waterbucks, bushbucks, duikers and the rare leopards that you will possibly see during the walk through the sanctuary. All these activities are guided by professional rangers through the bushes.

There are other areas in Uganda where you can find the shoebills and they include; Nabajuzi swamp in Masaka, Ishasha sector located in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National park, Murchison Falls National Park and in the swamps of Lake Kyoga. Our 20 days Uganda Birding Safari will get you to see the shoebill and an opportunity to visit all the best birding spots in Uganda.

Below are some of our packages to Murchison Falls National Park to take on a Uganda safari tour;

3 Days Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari tours, 6 Days Safari in Murchison Falls, Kibale, and Bwindi, 6 Days Safari in Murchison Falls, Kibale, and Bwindi, 6 Days Chimpanzee safari tours & Wildlife Tour, 10 DAYS JINJA – SIPI- KIDEPO-MURCHISON SAFARI, 9 DAYS HOT SPRINGS SAFARI AND WILDLIFE SAFARI, 7 DAYS IN MURCHISON FALLS, KIBALE, AND BWINDI , 13 DAYS JINJA – QUEEN ELIZABETH AND BWINDI SAFARI , 6 Days Safari in Murchison Falls, Kibale and Bwindi, 7 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari in uganda, 17 Days Kidepo-All Uganda Safari, 10 Days Best of Uganda Safari Tour,