Cyperus papyrus
The shoebill occurs in extensive, dense freshwater marshes. Almost all wetlands that attract the species have undisturbed "Cyperus papyrus" and reed beds of "Phragmites" and "Typha". Although their distribution largely seems to correspond with the distribution of papyrus in central Africa, the species seems to avoid pure papyrus swamps and is often attracted to areas with mixed vegetation. More rarely, the species has been seen foraging in rice fields and flooded plantations.