Knocking Bird
The woods that housed fair Rivercairn give way to palm trees and oasis' when one moves further south towards Pluthem. It is in these riverbanks and thickets that one can find the majestic and, in some cases, annoying Knocking Birds.
Easily its most striking feature is the large, hook-like beak that ends in a razor sharp point, which dominates its countenance. A peculiarity unique to the knocking bird is that they are born with flesh covering their skull but as they age this flesh atrophies and the skull is left exposed.
However, as civilization slowly creeps into their territories, the name has become more literal than ever. The birds have observed the denizens of the Rookery coming and going from their homes and taking care of the rooks, which has prompted them to start approaching the abodes and, quite literally, knocking on the doors with their beaks in the hopes of being fed like the rooks are. And since the birds have no concept for the time of day, many are those who have been startled by a night-time visitation.
This is becoming such a problem that the people of the Rookery have begun setting up feeding stations where the birds can visit on their own terms, hopefully leaving the denizens alone.
The Knocking Bird feeds mainly on insects, fruit and small rodents.
It is estimated that there are only a few hundred living Knocking Birds on the face of Nascindor, nearly all of them localized in a rather small geographical area north of Pluthem, which is both a blessing and a curse for the birds. On one hand, it means that it is easier to keep track of the population and surveil for poachers. On the other, poachers are tempted to hunt and kill as many birds as they can find due to the flock density.
The city-state of Pluthem is considering the founding of a guarded preservation in the riverlands, an initiative that is perhaps unsurprisingly getting a lot of support since the House of Learning, owned by the Enlightened Few, houses a rather prominent wing for ornithology.
Physical Attributes
The Knocking Bird is a rather large avian with iridescent plumage that usually presents in hues of reds and blues, while its eyes can range from a deep umber to a clear yellow coloration. It has a stocky build and while capable of flight, it prefers to waddle around the underbrushes of the oasises it inhabits.Easily its most striking feature is the large, hook-like beak that ends in a razor sharp point, which dominates its countenance. A peculiarity unique to the knocking bird is that they are born with flesh covering their skull but as they age this flesh atrophies and the skull is left exposed.
Behavior and Diet
The bird gets its name from a behavior that is related to its self-care routines. Its large beak flakes over time and to dislodge these flakes, the bird bangs and rubs the beak against rocks and tree trunks, which creates a distinctive sound that resembles knocking.However, as civilization slowly creeps into their territories, the name has become more literal than ever. The birds have observed the denizens of the Rookery coming and going from their homes and taking care of the rooks, which has prompted them to start approaching the abodes and, quite literally, knocking on the doors with their beaks in the hopes of being fed like the rooks are. And since the birds have no concept for the time of day, many are those who have been startled by a night-time visitation.
This is becoming such a problem that the people of the Rookery have begun setting up feeding stations where the birds can visit on their own terms, hopefully leaving the denizens alone.
The Knocking Bird feeds mainly on insects, fruit and small rodents.
Preservation & Poaching
As with all things regal and beautiful, the plumage and bones of the Knocking Bird are highly sought after commodities and while preservation efforts are being made, there are those who would hunt these birds regardless. The feathers of the Knocking Bird are used for luxurious clothing, while the beaks are most often fashioned into decorative daggers.It is estimated that there are only a few hundred living Knocking Birds on the face of Nascindor, nearly all of them localized in a rather small geographical area north of Pluthem, which is both a blessing and a curse for the birds. On one hand, it means that it is easier to keep track of the population and surveil for poachers. On the other, poachers are tempted to hunt and kill as many birds as they can find due to the flock density.
The city-state of Pluthem is considering the founding of a guarded preservation in the riverlands, an initiative that is perhaps unsurprisingly getting a lot of support since the House of Learning, owned by the Enlightened Few, houses a rather prominent wing for ornithology.
Who could it be at this hour?–A denizen of the Rookery getting out of bed after hearing knocking at the door
I love them! The trait of the skull being exposed as they age is really interesting! Your styling is lovely too!