Shoebill

Balaeniceps rex

The Shoebill, also known as the whalehead, is a large, prehistoric-looking bird found in the swamps and wetlands of central tropical Africa. With its distinctive shoe-shaped bill and towering height, the Shoebill is an impressive and solitary hunter, feeding primarily on fish, amphibians, and even small mammals. Its large wingspan and slow, deliberate movements make it a formidable predator. The Shoebill's unique appearance and behavior have made it a subject of fascination for bird enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Habitat: Swamps and wetlands of central tropical Africa

Shoebill
© Mangapwani · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Tours where you can spot this bird

Birds and Wildlife of Uganda with Lawson's Safaris
Birds and Wildlife of Uganda with Lawson's Safaris
Uganda / Entebbe Group tour 15 days | 0h

A 15-day Uganda birding safari from Entebbe through Murchison Falls, Budongo, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Lake Mburo....

From 5350.00 USD Next: 2027-08-01
Ultimate 26-Day Tailor-Made Uganda Birding Safari
Ultimate 26-Day Tailor-Made Uganda Birding Safari
Uganda / Entebbe Private tour 26 days | 0h

A comprehensive 26-day tailor-made Uganda birding safari covering wetlands, savannas, rainforests, Albertine Rift sites and eastern dry-coun...

From 0.00 USD
6-Day Mount Elgon Pian Upe and Bisina-Opeta Birding
6-Day Mount Elgon Pian Upe and Bisina-Opeta Birding
Uganda / Mount Elgon Private tour 6 days | 0h

A six-day eastern Uganda birding route through Mount Elgon, Pian Upe and the Bisina/Opeta wetlands....

From 0.00 USD
16-Day Uganda Mixed Ecosystems Popular Birding Safari
16-Day Uganda Mixed Ecosystems Popular Birding Safari
Uganda / Entebbe Private tour 16 days | 0h

A 16-day Uganda birding circuit linking Entebbe, Mabamba, Budongo, Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Lake Mburo....

From 0.00 USD
1-Day Mabamba and Entebbe Botanical Gardens Birding
1-Day Mabamba and Entebbe Botanical Gardens Birding
Uganda / Entebbe Private tour 1 day | 0h

A short Uganda birding day combining Mabamba Bay wetlands and Entebbe Botanical Gardens....

From 0.00 USD
Akagera National Park Birding Safari with Roger Irakoze
Akagera National Park Birding Safari with Roger Irakoze
Rwanda / Akagera National Park Private tour 1 day | 0h

Full-day private Akagera birding safari for savannah, acacia woodland and wetland species....

From 40.00 USD
Private Uganda Birding with Alex Gabiito
Private Uganda Birding with Alex Gabiito
Uganda / Bwindi Private tour 1 day | 0h

Private Uganda birding guidance with Alex Gabiito of African Skimmer Tours, covering Bwindi, Mabamba, Budongo, Kibale, Semuliki, Murchison F...

From 0.00 USD
22 Days Uganda Birding Tour
22 Days Uganda Birding Tour
Uganda / Kampala 22 days | 0h

Uganda is one of the best countries in Africa for birding safaris , a famous birding destination, and for a good reason, easily accessible, ...

From 0.00 USD
Uganda Budget Birding tour
Uganda Budget Birding tour
Uganda / Kampala 6 days | 0h

Despite its relatively small size, Uganda is widely regarded as one of Africa’s richest birding destinations, with a remarkable checklist ...

From 0.00 USD
Uganda Shoebill, Chimps, Culture and Game with Johnnie Uganda Safaris
Uganda Shoebill, Chimps, Culture and Game with Johnnie Uganda Safaris
Uganda / Entebbe Group tour 9 days | 0h

9-day Uganda birding and wildlife itinerary with Johnnie Uganda Safaris....

From 0.00 USD
Ultimate Uganda Explorer
Ultimate Uganda Explorer
Uganda / Uganda National Parks Private tour 9 days | 0h

A 9-day Uganda safari with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, Queen Elizabeth game drives and a Murchison Falls adventure....

From 4950.00 USD