This Animal Legit Sounds Like a Machine Gun

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The sounds of nature can be incredibly soothing — just think of those zen meditation tracks filled with chirping birds amid the gentle babbling of a brook in the forest. However, not all of nature’s noises are quite so calming, and some are even downright shocking. Imagine walking through a forest and suddenly hearing the sounds of a machine gun firing. You’d probably drop and take cover, only to discover that the source of the sound is actually the one-of-a-kind shoebill stork!

A Bird Straight Out of Prehistoric Times

Shoebill storks look like something out of a dark fantasy novel. With their towering height, piercing eyes, and enormous bills, you might even wonder if these birds have escaped from Jurassic Park. Shoebills are found only in the wetlands of Central and East Africa, but unfortunately, they are very rare, with an estimated population of only 3,300 to 5,300 adults left in the wild.

Despite their intimidating appearance, however, shoebills are shy birds who prefer a solitary lifestyle. These elusive birds stand over 5 feet tall and have an impressive 8-foot wingspan. For a long time, scientists classified shoebills as a type of stork, but research eventually led to placing the birds in a family all to themselves: Balaenicipitidae.

A Bill Unlike Any Other

One of the most striking features of the shoebill stork is, of course, its massive, shoe-shaped bill. Measuring at least 7 inches long and nearly 7 inches wide, this bill is a specialized tool used for hunting in swamps and wetlands. The bill’s vast interior also allows the bird to store food and water for itself or its chicks.

But it’s not just about size — this bill is also a highly efficient weapon. With razor-sharp edges and a nail-like hook at the tip, shoebill storks can spear, grip, and even decapitate their prey with speed and precision. Standing completely still like a statue, shoebills patiently wait for an unsuspecting fish to swim by. When it is within range, the bird lunges forward bill-first, throwing all its weight downward. The bill’s sharp tip hooks the fish, while the sharp edges allow the bird to quickly remove unwanted aquatic plants before swallowing its meal.

The Shoebill Stork’s Surprising Sounds

Despite their formidable and intimidating appearance, shoebill storks are quiet birds who generally live alone. However, when they do communicate, their sounds make quite an impression. By rapidly shaking the upper and lower parts of their bills together, shoebill storks produce unique clapping or clattering sounds. To human ears, it sounds startlingly similar to the rapid-fire burst of a machine gun.

Shoebill storks use this distinctive sound to communicate during the breeding and nesting season to communicate with potential mates and signal their partners from a distance. Clear communication is key for shoebills, as both parents share the responsibilities of incubating the eggs and raising their chicks.

In addition to their unique machine-gun-like “bill-clattering”, shoebill storks also produce other unusual sounds:

• Mates may emit low, mooing sounds that sound like a cow.
• Shoebill families also use high-pitched whines to communicate.
• Chicks make “hiccup”-like sounds to let their parents know they’re hungry.

Beyond communicating with their mates and chicks, shoebill storks may also use their loud clattering sounds as a defensive mechanism when feeling threatened. Additionally, they can also emit hoarse, croaking sounds to warn intruders to stay away.