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mmpratt99 — Fanciful Shoebill Study
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Published: 2009-12-12 01:15:29 +0000 UTC; Views: 608; Favourites: 19; Downloads: 25
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Description
Presenting a Shoebill, Balaeniceps rex, also known as Whalehead, is a very large stork-like bird. It derives its name from its massive, peculiar, shoe-shaped bill. It is native to tropical east Africa, inhabiting large swampland from Sudan to Zambia.
The population of this particular bird is estimated at between 5,000 and 8,000 individuals, the majority of which live in Sudan. BirdLife International have classified it as a vulnerable species with the main threats coming from habitat destruction, disturbance and hunting.
The large crest depicted here in this picture is an exaggerated feature not found on actual Shoebills. The feet are also not shown because the the artist isn't quite sure on the exact characteristics.
I give
Artwork (C) Copyrighted to mmpratt99. 2009.
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Comments: 9
Yep. Pretty much. Thank you.
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The level of detail is excellant - it really needs to be viewed in large to see the full depth of your shading and other skills. I love the gleam in his eye.
My only complaint is the balance - which is partly because you have not drawn the feet - the composition is too top heavy.
Here's a nic shot of the feet as found by searching on google images for "shoebill feet" - [link]
Even without the feet, the bird looks rather like it is going to fall over - in my opinion, both spindly legs should be going straight down, not on an angle. Also, the wings look a little short, but that might just be because Shoebills have shorter, rounded wings.
Otherwise, a fine job of an imporessive, and slightly frightening (I also found an image of one that looked about to eat a duck) bird!
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Wow, thanks for the cool picture and the much-needed advice. I'm going to have to look at a picture of this bird from a side-angle too.
That Google picture you sent is really scary. It looks like it's going to attack somebody.
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Here's another good foot shot: [link]
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Regardless of whether it's realistic or not, great work! 
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