UGANDA ~ Map & Shoebill Stork ~

... Lovely designed postcard with country map and Shoebill stork... a strange and fascinating bird of the African wetlands... it contributes to the preservation of aquatic ecosystems by filtering water, highlighting the importance of conservation for these unusual species... this prehistoric looking wading bird is so rare and shy that European scientists only discovered it in 1850 during expeditions in the vast marshlands of Africa, near the sources of the Nile... they are solitary birds and feeds on fish, but also on snakes, frogs, young monitor lizards or crocodiles, which it swallows whole while stirring up the mud with its peculiar beak... Shoebill Storks are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, disturbance, and hunting... Thanks a lot Alena! (✿◠‿◠)

Photos & design by: Byekwaso Blasio
Shoebills are very tall birds. They usually stand about 110 to 140 cm high. Their wings can spread out very wide, from 230 to 260 cm. The most special thing about the shoebill is its giant, bulb-shaped bill It looks like a straw-colored shoe 25 cm long and 10 cm wide with grey marks. This bill is one of the longest among all birds. It is also very wide, like a pelican's bill. The top part of the bill has a strong ridge and ends in a sharp point. Shoebills have long, dark legs and very large feet. Their big feet help them stand on plants floating in the water while they hunt. Their neck is shorter and thicker than other long-legged birds. 

 

Stamps:

RAMSAR Convention - Wetlands & Water  

(Issued 02-02-2007)