Zsalys

The zsalys is an avian species that makes its nests underneath the hot sands of the arid plains. They are adorable, but they are not particularly intelligent, as thier primary defense mechanism is to explode in the mouth of predators - highly effective at removing the predator, with the side effect of killing the bird. They gain their nutrients from mineral deposits in the ground, which is also the source of their ability to explode. Their detonation is completely reflexive, and occurs when the bird's heart rate spikes unexpectedly. This usually translates to situations when the zsalys is surprised or scared, though there are documented occasions of the bird detonating while mating.

Anatomy

The zsalys has a round body and short legs, with many thin, small feathers covering its body. These feathers range in colour between a variety of warm tones, mostly reds, browns, and oranges. At the ends of its legs are sharp claws that the bird uses for digging underground. It has a small yet sharp beak, which it uses to dig in harder stone underground. Older zsalys tend to have shorter and flatter beaks, as the point has been filed down after years of using it to dig through stone. However, not many zsalys live to adulthood, so this is somewhat rare.

Behaviour & Psychology

Most zsalys live fairly uneventful lives, as anything too exciting will literally kill them. They spend the majority of their lives underground, though they are technically capable of flight. Some zsalys seem to forget this, however, and will hop and climb to their destination even if flight would be the quickest and easiest route.

Tunnel Networks

Because zsalys spend their lifetimes digging tunnels underneath the sands of their biome for food, areas with high populations have many intersecting tunnels and burrows just underneath the surface. These tunnels are abandoned by the zsalys after they no longer have ores or minerals within them, but once they are, they often serve as homes or temporary shelters for animals seeking refuge from the overbearing heat.

Geographic Distribution

• Arid Plains