Qanari Desert Falcon

Also known as Dokanoq, Hea'anoq and Umani Biara, it's the largest bird on the Hilayan subcontinent as well as the second largest bird of prey in the world. It is found along the northwestern coastline of the Qanari desert and into the Nudok mountains (Nudokaqur).

This falcon is characterized by patches of brown-and-grey on its dorsal plumage (with a white underside) as well as a handful of crested feathers on the top of its skull. These are pressed close to its neck during flight and especially when diving, but when perched they will stand up. These feathers have a very specific pattern, one which resembles a pair of eyes.

Its purpose remains unclear, but currently the most widely accepted theory proposes a strategy similar to the giant anteater's: to confuse predator when attempting to attack it. This adaptation seems unnecessary today, since the Qanari Falcon is considered an apex predator. However, it is believed that the now extinct Bazhe Condor and similar ancient bird of prey might've placed enough evolution for such a feature to develop.

The Umani Biara has historically represented the strength, intelligence and resilience for the Bazhe Tribes, since it has been known to chase prey near or above its body weight into the desert, where the falcon will wait for its prey to be weakened by thirst and hunger. It will then strike the weakened prey, targeting its neck and usually dealing a single, deadly blow. The falcon will eat its fill and carve out the carcasses' flesh so that it can carry as much as possible back to its nest.

A tradition involving the falcon that has persisted for generations in Bazhe culture is the Inesazhi Hanezhe (sky offering). During this ritual, infertile cattle is offered to nearby falcons, with the two being proportional. Falcons in regions where this takes place have learned not to attack cattle or people, but instead to wait for the tribes' offering, thus resulting in a mutually beneficial exchange.

Another ancient ritual consisted in prospect huntsmen taking down a falcon and using its aforementioned top feathers to decorate their tiara, as part of their rite of passage. However, since their population began declining, this practice has started to fall out of favor.