Cirrus Swallows
Cirrus Swallows are birdlike beasts that soar high in the sky, much higher than even things like Wisp Dragons and Windlost Buildings. Cirrus Swallows are sizable, around the size of a small Sky Driver or a grown Brute Wyvern, and are generally fairly passive creatures, interacting very rarely with humanoids.
Due to their habitat, much about Cirrus Swallows is unknown, but there are many very enthusiastic researchers of the species, who frequently have Commissions for Sky Driver crews to go to the very top of the Sky Isles.
Basic Information
Anatomy
They share similarities to falcons in body shape with long forked tails, though hunt more like eagles. Feather color often depends on the bird, and is unfluenced by the Swallow's diet, as another way of showing off their hunting prowess. As of right now, researchers only know the meaning of a few feather colors, but there is certainly no shortage of interest.
| Orange-Tipped | Orange tipped feathers indicate the swallow has consumed many beasts with an affinity for fire. |
| Blue Quills | Blue Qills indicate that the swallow's feathers are new - initially it was believed this was a sign of lower pride, but it actually indicates the opposite - the swallow is frequently injured in difficult fights, and is unafraid of challenge. |
| Red Eye-Feathers | Red feathers around the eye are perhaps one of the most impressive feather formations - this means that the swallow has shed so much blood that it seeps into their feathers permanantly. |
| Auroraen Sheen | Swallows that frequently hunt at night or times of little light often develop a sheen that shines blue-green on their feathers. |
| Black Eye-Lines | This seems to be a unique trait to tamed swallows - often when Cirrus Knights fight atop their swallows for many battles, they will begin to form lines of black feathers, stretching from their heads to tails. It's unknown what purpose this serves. |
Dietary Needs and Habits
In addition to being a very beautiful beast, it also hunts predators that normally have no threats. Things like Wisp Dragons and Cloud Sharks are favored meals for the Cirrus Swallow, and while it can eat herbivorous fauna, they favor other predators. This unique hunting strategy means that Cirrus Swallows, when on the prowl, are some of the most brutal and deadly creatures, comparable to even the strongest Dragons. The rare Cirrus Swallow sightings are when they carry their prey down to eat, usualy unafraid of humanoids and content to be gawked at as they feast upon their just-as-fearsome prey.
Behaviour
They refuse, even when starving or weak, to prey on creatures they deem too weak, and this sense of honor and pride makes them very popular in Aerava, both as symbols and as mounts. The Cirrus Knights take their name from these beasts, and when a knight is deemed capable by the order, may ride one.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Cirrus Swallows have similar capabilities to smaller birds of prey, such as excellent eyesight. They are excellent at sensing creatures in the surrounding air via minute shifts in the wind.
Conservation Status
Cirrus Swallows are unthreatened by humans due to their habitat and the widespread respect for them. However, they are closely protected by Cirrus Knights and other groups within Aerava.
Geographic Distribution
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