Shoebill stork in Uganda : Shoebill is a large specie among the birds that has a distinctive bill shape unlike any other bird , this bird can be found in Africa, and it mainly lives in swamps. Shoebill birds are ancient and have been recognised by humans all the way back in time. Shoebills use their massive, powerful bills to kill and eat their prey which is usually fish and some rodents and smaller birds.

What makes the shoebill stork unique

When it is flying the shoebill stork’s legs extend straight back past the tail and its neck draws back

The mouth is shoe shaped like, hence the name shoe bill, and as sharp bent beak that allows it to tear mammals to the size it wants.

Weight. The mature female shoebill stork weighs 4.9 and a male one weighs 5.6 kilograms.

Length. The shoebill stork is about 110cm tall when standing on both legs and its foot s 18cm

Lifespan. It is a solitary bird and can live for 35 years in the wild.

Where to spot shoebill stork in Uganda

Shoebill stork can be seen in variety of locations including Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, Murchison falls, makanaga swamp and many other places.

Life span of the shoebill stork

The rare shoebill stork is known to be living longer compared to the other bird species and it is noted that the life span of 35 to 50.

Behaviours of the shoebill stork

Shoebills have unique behaviours adapted to the wet land environment and these include

Hunting techniques

They are well for their freeze and seize hunting skills where they remain in one position for long period of time, blending with the vegetation so that they can get their preys like lung fish.

Social behaviour

Shoebill stork they are solitary birds, which prefer to hunt and live alone they come only during mating process after they return to their solitary habits.

Nesting and parenting

The shoebill stork always builds their nests in swamps where they incubate their eggs and incubation they participate egg watering, pouring water on the eggs.

Places in Uganda where you can spot the shoebill stork

Uganda is a home to over 1000 shoebill stork, making it one of the best countries in Africa to observe the shoebill stork and the following are the locations where to spot shoebill stork

Mabamba swamp

It is a premier destination for watching shoebill stork in Uganda it is located in Entebbe on Lake Victoria this swamp it is on 2424 hectares and the landscape is characterized by dense papyrus.

How to access mabamba swamp

By road

It can be accessed by boat through Nakiwogo landing site and it is just 45minutes

Road

Through kawuku and it is about 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on the weather conditions

Murchison falls national park

Shoebill stork in Murchison it can be spotted at Albert Delta wetland. To get the shoebill tourists take 3 hours on the boat cruise from Para which takes them nearer to the shoebill stork and other wildlife.

Lake mburo

It is located approximately 4 hours from Kampala, lake mburo it is another interesting park to visit for people seeking. Shoebill stork is among the many bird species that can be spotted in lake mburo national park.

Ziwa Rhino sanctuary

Shoebill can be seen early in the morning near Lugogo swamp and get bonus of trucking Rhinos.

Semliki wildlife reserve

Habitat swampy along lake Albert, while at Semliki you will not only see the shoebill but also other wildlife like the primates, and hot springs.

Best time to visit the shoebill stork in Uganda

Best time is during the dry season in the months of September, December, January, and February that is when the shoebill stork is better seen and the locations are easily accessed.

Other things to do while on a shoebill safari tour in Uganda

 Birding

Birding can be done in various parts of Uganda since Uganda is a birders haven with various birds like the white pelicans, flamingos, cattle egrets, eagles and many more.

Shoebill stork in Uganda
Shoe Bill

Gorilla trekking

It is done from Bwindi national park and it is one of the most visited national parks in Uganda gorilla trekking it is an amazing activity to do while in Uganda safari tour where you will trek gorillas in different sectors and also habituate them.

Uganda safari game drives

When it comes to safari game drives, Uganda has different interesting national parks where game drives are done from and a lot of wildlife is being spotted like elephants, buffaloes, lions, warthogs, hippos and many more.

Trucking golden monkeys

They are only found in one national park in mgahinga national park which is also a home to mountain gorillas’ golden monkeys are species found in only one national park in Uganda and trucking them gives you the best experience and best memory.

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