Shoebill Coloring Page (3 of 4)

A soft blue-grey suits the shoebill, but it need not be one flat shade - deepen the tone along the back and let the chest stay paler so the body reads as solid and three-dimensional. A slightly darker bill anchors the face. Take the finer feather edges slowly, and color it whatever way pleases you.

About the Shoebill

The shoebill is a large wading bird of the African wetlands, named for the enormous, shoe-shaped bill it uses to catch fish and other prey. It is famous for standing motionless for long stretches, waiting with great patience for the right moment to strike, and that stillness, together with its size, gives it a presence quite unlike any other bird.

In recent years the shoebill has become a favorite at zoos, where its deadpan expression and slow, deliberate movements have charmed visitors of every age. It carries no heavy cultural baggage - just an easy, universal appeal - which is part of what makes it such a friendly and approachable subject to color.

Benefits as a Coloring & Brain Training Activity

For coloring, the shoebill rewards a patient hand. Shading the broad bill and building the soft blue-grey of the feathers in gentle steps is a good, gentle exercise in control, and the large, clear shapes mean no one needs to feel rushed. The calm subject and the bold finished image make it satisfying to complete and pleasant to display.