Weird Animals – A List Of The World’s Strangest Species

Shoebill
Shoebill
Scientific name: Balaeniceps rex

Type of animal: Bird

Family: Balaenicipitidae

Where found: Africa

Conservation status: Vulnerable

The shoebill is a large wading bird found in freshwater swamps in East Africa. The species has a unique appearance, with a large, shoe-like bill and a tall, flat crest on its head.

Shoebills are primarily piscivorous, feeding on fish, eels, and other aquatic animals. They are known for their slow movements and patient hunting behavior, standing still for long periods before striking at their prey.

If you’re not quite sold on the whole birds-are-dinosaurs evolutionary theory, then take a look at the shoebill; this weird, prehistoric-looking species might just change your mind!