Artas

Artas¹ are a polyphyletic group of flightless bird species that have adapted to life deep within the cave-systems beneath the Vúrakesen Mountains in western Dragonía, each of which has evolved in unique ways to live in this environment.
Most species are found close to underground rivers and lakes, where they usually feed on fish or invertebrates found in or near these sources of water, though some specialize in hunting bats by lying in wait and snatching any that flies too close, either via their sharp beak or long legs.
Most artas are blind, save for a couple of species that live where glowing Töx Mushrooms grow in the wild, and navigate their environment via echolocation, sense of touch or with the help of rictal bristles -specialized feathers that act much like whiskers- all over their body.
Aside from the bristles, all artas are featherless and those that hunt bats have scales of sort that protect them from acidic guano.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

While not nearly as important as giant cave salamanders, domesticated artas are found in some of the subterranean city-states of the Jaarels, who raise the birds for their eggs and meat as well as the beaks and bones to make flutes, talismans or jewelry.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Different arta species are found in various regions of the cave-systems, with territories rarely intersecting unless they inhabit especially large caverns or don't compete for the same food source.

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¹Original icelandic: örtur, singular: arta.

Origin/Ancestry

Western Dragonía