Shirdalix (SHEER-dahl-ehks)

Shirdalix have been tamed over time as flying hunting hounds. Their ability to hunt both on land and in the sky make them extremely useful to those who once had to rely on either hounds or hawks, but never both as training either was difficult as is.
That being said, the Shirdalix are not easy to tame or train, especially if you come across a wild family group.
They are never solo. At a minimum a family group is 5-12 individuals, and a nest of Shirdalix might have one Nest Guardian warming 4-10 eggs a year.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Adults are the size of a hunting hound. They predominantly look like small gryphons, though far leaner and taller in the legs. 
Six limbs, four for walking --> the front two are bird-like and taloned. The hind two are cat like. The last two are feathered wings atop the Shirdalix's shoulders and are meant for flight, including diving maneuvers.
The head is a mix of a cat and hawk-like appearance.
Predominantly feathered from tip to tail, anything that looks like fur is just small feathers. Scales on the front two bird-like legs.

Genetics and Reproduction

They reproduce by laying eggs. These eggs are watched by a "Nest Guardian" who can warm up to 10 eggs by themselves.

Growth Rate & Stages

Shirdalix take a month to hatch, and four additional months to mature the ability to fly. After that it is another year before they can begin to reproduce.

Ecology and Habitats

Shirdalix oft live in forested areas, plains, savannahs, or mountainous regions. They prefer areas with dense cover for their nesting groups, and areas with lesser cover for their hunting.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Shirdalix are omnivores and thus can eat both meat and non-meat forageables. They appear to have a preference to meat, fresh over scavenged, but have been seen to forage berries, herbs, and nuts before as well.
They eat at least twice a day in warmer weather, and up to five times a day as weather cools, if they live in an area where weather has seasons. If there is a season of cold, they will either hibernate or migrate, whichever is beneficial for the size of their familial group.

Behaviour

They hunt in packs of 5-12 and while they often hunt smaller prey, they have been known to hunt creatures as large as an Elk before.
They are quick and their beaks and talons are vicious when they hit. They are fast in the air, but they are not slow on land.
They are good at hiding.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Very keen sight and smell, sight-wise they can hone in on tiny individuals moving from up to a mile away when in the air.