Shubel: A human-sized African bird that eats small crocodiles and kills its brothers

name: Showbell (Palaeniceps rex)

Where do you live: Swamps and swamps of East Africa

What does he eat: Fish and reptiles

Why it's cool: This dangerous, prehistoric-looking bird can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) long — and is equipped with a sharp, 1-foot (0.3 meter) beak — the third largest bird beak in the world.

Its giant beak and long, slender legs make it a formidable predator – standing completely still before lunging forward to seize and swallow unsuspecting prey whole.

a 2015 study A study published in the Journal of African Ornithology found that catfish were their most common prey, making up about 71% of their meals. However, the shoebill has also been known to feed on snakes, snakes and even small crocodiles.

Shoebirds are often solitary, but breeding pairs are monogamous Lay up to three eggs in a clutch However, due to sibling rivalry, usually only one survives to adulthood. This is usually the larger offspring, which will either compete with or kill any siblings for food.

Related: The bird that came back from the dead by evolving twice

The second or third chicks are basically spare parts that act as a backup if the first one does not survive.

This behavior was captured in a clip from David Attenborough's BBC series Africa, showing the older chick biting its younger sibling. When the mother returns to the nest, she does not provide any care for the young.

Although it is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a stork, the shoebill is actually the only member of the stork Palainiceps The genus and broader family Balaenicipitidae, with its subfamily Closest living relatives Being a swan. Its ancestors from the order Pelecaniformes appeared at the end of the era Cretaceous period (145 million to 66 million years ago).

The bird with the large beak is Listed as vulnerable On the IUCN Red List, with only From 5000 to 8000 birds Leave.

Prunella Stephenson

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