The Aerio Bird

The Aerio bird is a kind of cross between an ostrich and a lizard. It has brilliant gold and red feathers, and a large, bright blue plume on its head. The Aerio bird can be found in forests or swamps, and loves to play in water.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Aerio bird is about the size of a turkey, and has 2 somewhat small wings. It has 2 long, thin feet, and can swim, although it is somewhat clumsy. The Aerio bird is not very strong, and usually runs from trouble, using its long feet to propel it away from danger.

Genetics and Reproduction

The Aerio bird only lays 3 eggs, which hatch after 14 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

The baby chicks mature around the age of 5 years, and usually don't leave their parents until they are 7 years old. They are born with white feathers, and small head plumes, but when they mature they shed their feathers. They grow a brilliant new set of feathers around the age of 5, and are brightly colored gold and red, with a blue plume on their head.

Ecology and Habitats

The Aerio bird usually lives around water sources, under cover. If seen at all, they can be found in deep forests, around streams, ponds, or lakes, or in swamps. They dig a hole near waters sources, and use it as a nest. Usually they store food in their hole, but when chicks are born they forage for food, leaving a store in their nest.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Aerio bird eats mainly berries and water plants, although they may eat an insect or two here and there. It uses its exceptional sight to spot edible berries and plants, and retains a large store of knowledge on what foods are poisonous and what aren't. It returns to the same plants year after year, and continues harvesting from them until they are destroyed or do not produce anymore, in which case the Aerio bird hunts for a new spot to eat from.

Biological Cycle

When winter comes, the Aerio bird blocks up the entrance to their hole with leaves and dirt, leaving only a small gap to allow light through. They sleep for weeks at a time, and when they are awake they usually eat sparingly from their small store of food.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Aerio bird has very good hearing and sight, but is not good at smelling. It uses magic to weave an illusion around it, which is one of the reasons it is very rare to see the Aerio bird, as it usually camouflages itself whenever it hears someone approaching.

Scientific Name

Aeriolus Camius

Origin/Ancestry

Hawaiian

Conservation Status

Although rarely seen, the Aerio bird is not endangered. It has a slow breeding cycle, so Aerio birds are few and far between.