Reproduction

The Balaeniceps rex reproduces via sexual reproduction and laying eggs like the Toucan. The Shoebill Stork has been recorded breeding in small populations throughout Africa (Kasoma and Pomeroy 1987). As a result of the small and threatened population of this bird, researchers have only found the Shoebill Stork to be nesting along Malagarasi Wetlands in Africa. The small populations researched were not found to have a definite nesting period, but most egg hatchings occurred in months as flooding decreased (John et al. 2013). Nesting platforms commonly found among the Balaeniceps rex are typically enveloped by deeper water conditions and are quite visible to the eye (John et al. 2013). Although researchers have found multiple nesting locations within these populations, it has been discovered in several cases that the nesting sites had been abandoned prior to egg laying (John et al. 2013).

For more interesting information about the Balaeniceps rex, check out the Facts page!

 References