Gasp and behold the rare Balaeniceps rex . Also known as a whalehead , or the whale-headed stork, the breathtaking, prehistoric-looking shoebill stork has frightened and charmed its human observers in equal measure.

These imposing birds sport a beak that has reminded many of a dutch clog, hence the popular name. As we'll see, their beaks are only one aspect of what makes them a unique and fascinating species.

Changes in Shoebill Classification

Based on its morphology, the shoebill was classified with storks from the 1850s through the 1980s. However, more recent DNA research finds that shoebills are actually biochemically more similar to herons and anatomically more closely related to pelicans .

In any case, these impressive wading birds now have their own family, Balaenicip

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