Where Do Shoebill Storks Live? (Habitat + Distribution)

Shoebill (Tyrannosaurus whale) also known as the whalehead, shoebill or shoebill stork, is a large prehistoric bird named for the clogged bill it uses to catch fish, especially lungfish. These birds are not widespread and are only found in small areas of one continent. They have specific habitat requirements, which makes them critically endangered.

The Shoebill inhabits only freshwater wetlands and swamps in east-central Africa. Most Shoebill populations live in the wetlands of South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania and northeastern Zambia.

Unfortunately, the numbers of these unique birds are dwindling. Globally, only an estimated 5,000-8,000 shoe storks are believed to exist. Their decline is largely due to the loss of already limited habitats. We discuss the habitat and conservation status of the Shoebill in more detail throughout this article.

Uganda is one of the best places to see Shoebills

What is the distribution range of the Shoebill?

The distribution range of the Shoebill is rather small. These birds are native to swamplands in east-central Africa, ranging from the south bank of the White Nile in South Sudan, the Malagalasi Wetlands in Tanzania, northern Uganda, Zambia and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

What is the habitat of the Shoebill?

The Shoebill’s habitat consists mainly of vast wetlands and swamps with papyrus, cattails, reeds and grasses. Storks will also inhabit swampy lakes and floodplains where papyrus is not grown, such as the Malagarasi wetlands in Tanzania.

Shoebills require floating islands or mats of vegetation (called sudds) for nesting and fishing, especially if they inhabit areas with deep water. They also hunt in open areas, waterways and occasionally rice fields.

Fish are the main food source for these storks and are usually caught as they surface to breathe. Lungfish and catfish are among the most commonly eaten species of the Shoebill – other fish, reptiles, amphibians and the occasional rodent are also frequently eaten.

Shoebill takes off with a fish in its mouth

How rare are Shoebills?

Seeing the critically endangered Shoebill in the wild is a rare opportunity. These birds are restricted to relatively small and remote areas of East Africa. Get a chance to see these birds in captivity – some zoos only have three or four of them.

Is there a shoe list in the US?

Shoebills are not native to the United States and do not occur in the wild in the United States. However, some are kept in captivity in zoos. The only place in the United States where people can see the Shoebill is at the Tampa Zoo in Tampa, Florida.

Shoebill throwing fish in the air

Where are Shoebills most common?

Shoebills are most commonly found in the freshwater papyrus swamps of South Sudan in east-central Africa. They also live in swamplands in northern Uganda, western Tanzania, northern Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Where is the best place to see shoebills?

The best place to see the Shoebill is Uganda. Freshwater lakes and swamps in these areas provide feeding and nesting habitat for this species. Shoebills are especially popular near the Nile and Lake Albert.

These particular storks are a spectacle in the wild. Adults can reach nearly 5 feet tall and weigh about 11 pounds. They looked as if they had just stepped out of the Jurassic era into the world we know today. Shoebills are usually silent, but occasionally they make a startling, husky call that sounds eerily prehistoric.

A pair of Shoebills in Uganda

Where do Shoebills live in winter?

Shoebills are non-migratory. They remain in or near their nesting habitats during winter and throughout the season. These birds typically exhibit minimal seasonal activity, moving only when food becomes scarce or habitat is disturbed.

Where Do Shoebills Live In Summer?

The Shoebill is primarily a sedentary species. They live year-round in the vast freshwater swamp and floodplain habitats of east-central Africa. There is evidence of short-distance movement between breeding and feeding grounds or during changes in water levels. Otherwise, storks only move when they leave their perch.

Close up portrait of a Shoebill

Where Do Shoebills Go At Night?

Shoebills are diurnal, meaning they forage during the day and rest at night. Since these birds typically live in areas with high water tables, they sleep on floating vegetation in swamps or wetlands.

Why Are Shoebills Endangered?

Shoebills are considered critically endangered. They have specific habitat requirements, including their partial reliance on papyrus wetlands. Due to disturbance and habitat destruction within its limited range, the population trend of storks is negative.

The spread of agricultural development is a major cause of habitat loss for the Shoebill. Wetlands were drained and papyrus burned to create pastures for grazing livestock. Livestock and human disturbance are the leading causes of nesting failure in wetland habitats that have not been removed. Nest trampling is also a problem affecting the toe.

Because shoebills are a unique and sensitive species, they are highly sought after in the trade. Chicks are taken from nests in the wild and usually sold to zoos. Maybe some people have good intentions and want to help restore the population. Unfortunately, there is only one successful case of this species breeding in captivity.