Today, I have the honor (for the first time) of presenting our first Thing…
THE SHOEBILL STORK!
As you can see in this image above, the Shoebill Stork is a bird. As its name implies, it is a relative to the pelican, and has nothing to do with storks. It is also called the Whale-headed Stork and Shoebill.
Its most common name refers to how its bill (or beak) has the shape of a shoe.
Its scientific name is Balaeniceps Rex, and they are the only species in their Genus (Group of species).
They are found ONLY in the freshwater swamps in Africa, so good luck finding one outside of a zoo.
And while I’m on the subject of zoos, let’s talk about their relations with humans!
These creatures are extremely friendly with humans, and make machine-gun-like sounds, which can be terrifying if you’re not expecting it.
Also, they can actually fly.
ANSWER (highlight it to find the answer)
WHY CAN SHOEBILLS (and pelican-likes) TAKE THEIR SPINES OUT?
1: TO COOL OFF
2: THEY’RE JUST YAWNING
3: INTIMIDATION
4: TO ATTRACT MATES
2: They’re actually just yawning. It being a way of cooling down is just a myth.
This was THE WORD CORNER, thanks for reading !
