Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex), family Balaenicipitidae, Uganda
This bird is the only member of its family.
The taxonomic affinities of this bird have long been debated. It currently rests within the order Pelicaniformes It was, in the past, often places in the Ciconiiformes). Its closest living relative is most likely the Hamerkop.
photograph by Gian Luca Tognon















