The shoebill also known as whalehead, is a very large stork-like bird that derives its name from its enormous shoe-shaped bill. They are falsely called storks because they are actually part of the Pelecaniformes (pelicans) family. Sadly, these totally “metal” birds are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. This is due to habitat destruction, human intrusion, and climate change. This article is a special request from my friend, Sam.
