Where Can I Find a Shoebill Stork?

The shoebill stork (Balaeniceps rex) is one of the most unique and rare birds found in Uganda’s wetlands. For the travellers asking where can I find a Shoebill Storks? They are found in central and eastern Africa, especially in Uganda, South Sudan, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This large, grey bird has huge, shoe-shaped bill. It looks unusual and prehistoric to many first-time visitors.

The shoebill stands about 110 to 140 centimetres tall, with some reaching 152 centimetres.

Its wingspan ranges from 230 to 260 centimetres, which is as wide as a small car. It is a powerful flyer.

The bill can be up to 24 centimetres long and 20 centimetres wide. This beak helps catch large prey in swamps.

What do shoebill stock feed?

Shoebills eat lungfish, frogs, snakes, and sometimes young crocodiles. They use sudden movements to grab prey with their strong beak.

Their feathers are blue grey with black-tipped wings, and they have yellow or grey-white eyes. Juveniles are browner in colour.

In Uganda, they live in Nile-fed wetlands, especially in areas like Mabamba Swamp near Lake Victoria and Nile Delta in Murchison.

They are solitary birds and prefer quiet, undisturbed places. They are most active early in the morning.

Birdwatchers come to Uganda hoping to see a shoebill in the wild. Sightings are possible year-round with local guides.

Uganda is home to about 300 shoebills, though some sources estimate the number may be closer to 1,000.

The shoebill stork is Vulnerable when It faces threats like habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.

Seeing a shoebill in Uganda is a rare and exciting birdwatching experience for travellers.

Shoebill with its hard beak ready to prey

Hunting Techniques of a Shoebill Stock

Shoebill storks do “Freeze and Seize” hunting strategy, where they remain as still as a statue for long periods.

Those who are asking where can I find a Shoebill Stock, into floating vegetation like a chameleon in a leafy forest.

When prey, such as lungfish and tilapia, comes into range, they strike with the sudden swiftness of a mouse trap snapping shut.

This hunting method is effective in pools where fish surface for air, like swimmers coming up for breath in a murky pond.

The shoebill stork in Uganda takes advantage of disturbances caused by larger animals, such as hippos, to catch disoriented fish.

Shoebill storks are predominantly solitary birds, preferring to hunt and live alone.

Mating pairs only come together during the breeding season, after which they return to their solitary habits.

While generally as quiet as a library on a Sunday morning, shoebill storks communicate through bill-clattering that sounds like a rapid-fire typewriter.

These behaviours are particularly noticeable during courtship or interactions, when the typically stoic birds become expressive.

Nesting and Parenting of a Shoebill stock

Shoebills build nests on floating platforms of vegetation.

Both parents participate in constructing the nest and incubating the eggs, which typically number between one and three.

During the incubation period, Shoebills engage in a behaviour known as “egg-watering,” pouring water over the eggs to keep them cool.

Shoebill chicks often exhibit siblicide, where the stronger sibling may kill the weaker one for resources, ensuring the survival of the fittest.

Asking any birder on Where can I find a shoebill stork in Uganda?” you’ll hear the same answer: Mabamba Swamp.

Located just 12 kilometres west of Entebbe, along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, this wetland is the best location for shoebill sightings.

Where can I find a shoebill stork in Uganda? Mabamba papyrus offers guides that paddle you in traditional canoes.

Early morning boat trips are highly recommended, when the shoebill is most active—standing motionless like a statue.

Its also Early in the morning that Shoebills strike swiftly to capture lungfish, its favourite prey.

Mabamba is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 bird species, including papyrus gonoleks, kingfishers and jacanas.

For photographer, Mabamba Swamp is a must-visit site when asking yourself, “Where can I find a shoebill stork in Uganda?”

The tranquil setting, expert-guided birding tours, and high success rate of spotting the shoebill make it the best location for this experience.

A Shoebill Stork

Places in Uganda Where You Can Spot the Shoebill Stork Up Close

Uganda has a large population of Shoebill storks over 1000 of these rare birds making it a destination for tracking this phenomenon bird.

The best locations to spot a Shoebill are Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria and Albert Delta along the Nile in Murchison.

1.Mabamba Swamp

 Located just 12 kilometres west of Entebbe, along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, also a reliable location for shoebill sightings.

Where can I find a shoebill stork in Uganda? Mabamba offers a serene setting where local guides paddle you in traditional canoes.

Early morning boat trips are highly recommended, as this is when the shoebill is most active—standing motionless like a statue.

Mabamba Swamp is a must-visit site when asking yourself, “Where can I see shoebill stork in Uganda?”

expert-guided birding tours, and high success rate of spotting the shoebill make it the best location for this experience.

2.Murchison Falls National Park

For those wondering “Where can I see shoebill stork in Uganda?” and also African wildlife experience, Murchison Falls National Park is the ideal.

Located in northwestern Uganda, this is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park.

Famed for the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile River explodes through a narrow gorge.

But beyond the breathtaking scenery, the park’s Nile Delta area is a well-known habitat for shoebills.

During boat cruises to the delta, particularly early in the morning, travellers have high chances of seeing the shoebill along the swampy fringes.

These sightings are often accompanied by views of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species.

This destination answers not just the question, “Where can I see shoebill stork in Uganda?” but also gives visitors a complete Big Five Safari experience.

Murchison Falls has the potential to combine birding safaris, game drives, boat cruises, and even chimpanzee trekking.

This park is also connected with Uganda Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, creating a multi-experience itinerary.

Other Places you can Find Shoebill Stock

• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary ( Lugogo Swamp)
• Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Makanaga Swamp
• Lwera Swamp
• Toro-Semuliki Game Reserve
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Semuliki National Park

Uganda Is Safe for Birders and Safari Travelers

In answering the question, “Where can I see shoebill stork in Uganda?”, safety naturally becomes a consideration for travellers.

Uganda has a strong reputation as a safe, stable, and welcoming destination more so for tourists.

Tourist sites are well protected, communities are hospitable, and local tour operators ensure that your safety, comfort, and enjoyment come first.

In exploring Kampala, relaxing by Lake Victoria, or heading into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda offers security.

Health precautions, organized transport, certified guides, and well-managed parks add to Uganda’s credibility as birders.

Conservation Status of the Shoebill and Why It Matters

The shoebill is Vulnerable, With an estimated population of 5,000–8,000 globally,

Uganda hosts more than 1,000 individuals, making it a critical country for the species’ survival. remember that your trip contributes to its protection, when asking, “Where can I see shoebill stork in Uganda?”,

Major threats to the shoebill include wetland degradation, illegal trapping, and disturbance from fishing and agriculture.

Uganda’s communities, conservationists, and tour operators are working together to protect these habitats through eco-tourism, awareness.

Combine Uganda Gorilla Trekking with Shoebill Safari

The best part about exploring Uganda is that you don’t have to choose between primates and birds.

After answering “Where can I find a shoebill stork in Uganda?” with a visit to Mabamba or Murchison.

Head south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the once-in-a-lifetime Gorilla Trekking.

Ngeye Uganda Tours specializes in tailor-made safaris that combine shoebill stork birding, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, and gorilla trekking into a seamless, cost-effective itinerary.

This multi-faceted approach to safari travel offers a rich mix of biodiversity, adventure, and cultural immersion that few destinations in the world can match.