Shoebill Stork

The Shoebill Stork is a type of stork commonly known for its massive physique and large beak size. It can grow up to 4.5 feet and has an 8 foot wingspan, making it one of the largest (and most terrifying) birds in the world. Observing this bird from the front side will send chills down your spine due to its beak shape. The Beak is positioned so that looking at a Shoebill from the front makes it seem aggressive towards you, even though the animal is very docile with humans. However, Looking at this bird from the side will greet you with a whimsical smile.

History

Shoebill Storks can also be called whale-headed storks. They are said to have originated in Africa and they migrated to very few other parts of the world, explainig why you still see the majority of the mere 5,300 wild adult shoebills still inhabiting Africa. This stork has a very close genetic relationship to the pelican and other species in the Balaenicipitidae class. Scientists have concluded that because of the similarities, storks and pelicans likely evolved from the same common ancestor during past geologic eras(more history). It is still largely unknown, but the shoebill stork may have evolved from the extinct Terror Bird.(img shown on left.)