Serbil (Sir-bill)

Large flightless birds that are used as beasts of burden instead of oxen or horses in Utreora.

Basic Information

Anatomy

When described in text they are often referred to the cross of an Axe Beak and a sea bird, often pelicans. These large birds stand about eight feet tall with legs that are approximately half their total height. Their large legs and raptor like talons make them well suited to travers the marshes and swamps of Utreora. Their torsos sport small wings which are not capable of achieving lift rendering them flightless, and being more for decoration in matting rituals. Their head cranes off their torso with a long thick neck, and their beak is long often reaching more than two feet in length. The bottom half of their beak has a hole in the bone and skin like sack used for scooping up water and fish from rivers. Their feathers are small and fluffy commonly described as fur, and have a brown or grey coloration to them allowing them to blend into their surroundings. The exception to this is the feathers of males during mating season, the winter months, will change color into vibrant pinks and purples to attract mates.

Genetics and Reproduction

Serbils enter mating season at the Aurora in which wild males will compete for females attention. Most Serbils will have a single offspring each year if they mate at all.

Growth Rate & Stages

Serbils like all birds lay an egg that once incubated will hatch as a young bird. Serbils reach maturity within one year of hatching.

Ecology and Habitats

Their long strong legs make Serbils optimal in areas that most beasts of burden would have trouble traversing. They often stride through swamps and marshes. They are not often seen outside of Utreora.

Dietary Needs and Habits

They mainly feed off of fish and other sea life that they scoop up out of rivers, marshes, and along the coast. A luck Serbil will eat up to 10 pounds of food a storing it for multiple days, and they have been known to go without food for a week.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Serbil are used as the primary beast of burden and mount for most people in Utreora

Lifespan

10 - 20 years

Average Height

8 feet

Average Weight

160 - 180 pounds

Average Length

5 feet