Kirrek

Kirrek (both plural and singular) are domesticated birds found on Erret, which are used by the native mekki as riding mounts. Belonging to the Coelodrominae subfamily, they are bipedal flightless birds which somewhat resemble Terran birds like ostriches and emus. Kirrek are a stand-alone species, created from the mingling of several related species, tamed by different groups of mekki, who had access to different wild birds, but who also had different needs. As such, kirrek can be considered their own species, comparable to Terran domestic cats or fowl.
Over time, kirrek developed many different breeds, as people had different needs or prioritized different traits. Some kirrek breeds are built for speed, others for stamina, and others again for agility. They are not, however, bred for carrying or hard work, unlike horses; kirrek are innately too fragile and lightly built. They are also, generally speaking, fairly agile: maneuvering through dense woodlands is important in many areas of Erret, as most of the land is covered in forests.

Propulsion

As a flightless bird, kirrek rely on the propulsion of their two long legs to move around. Like many animals evolved to run, they only count few toes with relatively little contact with the ground. Their legs, long and slender, are powered by strong muscles.

Weapons & Armament

Like most members of their subfamily, kirrek are built to run and rely on speed, above all, to escape predators. Not all breeds of kirrek are equally fast, however, and their riders slow them down as well. In a pinch they can deliver a powerful and devastating kick, but doing so comes at risk: the maneuver will throw their rider off of their backs, and the moment of carrying their full weight, as well as their rider's weight, on a single leg may cause severe damage. It is not unheard of for a kirrek to cripple a leg by kicking. As such, most breeds (and lines) undergo selection for kirrek less likely to kick.

Armor and defense

Kirrek are naturally built (relatively) light, so they can carry the weight of a rider and still maintain reasonable running speed. As such, they lack any sort of armoring, and must rely on being able to outrun dangers, or receiving protection from their rider.

Communication Tools & Systems

Descending from Terran passerines, kirrek are capable of a wide variety of noises. In their wild ancestors, these sounds were used to communicate among their flock. Being a domesticated species, raised around mekki, kirrek likewise use their sounds to communicate with other kirrek and with their riders. Among these are various whistles and calls, used to warn for danger, request food, or to call together the flock. Other notable sounds include clacking their beaks, used to express uncertainty or annoyance to their rider, and a soft chittering noise they produce to express pleasure or satisfaction.

Sensors

Though their senses of taste and smell are nothing noteworthy, kirrek do have excellent eyesight and fairly good hearing. Their wild ancestor species relied on their sight, above all, to spot predators, and to find food. This trait remained with kirrek, who will often spot dangers before their riders do, and whistle to communicate this. Their hearing is also good, as most Erretian birds are vocal in nature, and kirrek are no exception.

Nickname

Saddle-bird.

Price

Varies depending on breed and location.

Rarity

Common.

Height

Varies; generally around 2 m.

Weight

Varies; average around 100 kg.

Speed

Varies; typically 20-40 km/h at a steady, maintainable speed.

Complement / Crew

Single rider.

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

Varies; typically single rider and some cargo.