Yatzal

This hybrid creature is a rare sight to behold. It eluded my team for quite some time. We started to think it was either extinct or just a myth after all. But then we spotted one flying alongside our ship on a trip to more remote regions.

— A snippet from Wonder Jubalee's bestiary.

The yatzal is a rare species once thought to be only a creature of legend. It appears to be a hybrid of a fish and bird. Stories and rumored sightings of it date back several thousand years. It's also the image of an Aizuni deity.

Physical Description

From the waist up, the yatzal looks like a bird. It's covered in water resistant feathers that are a mix of deep blues and emerald greens. They appear to glisten in the sun from light bouncing off any water coating it.
They have a strong, sharp beak designed for it to hunt prey without issue. Their eyes can be green, orange, or brown. Yatzals have protective lenses that allow clear vision under water.
Below the waist is a long, muscular tail. Its covered in black and silver scales. This allows the yatzal to swim with ease. It can also be used to wrap around things whether it be in the water or on land.

Feathers:

Scales:

Habitat

Yatzals live in warm tropical regions. They spend most of their time either hidden in the water or tucked away in the thick foliage of trees. Scientists are unsure if they have established living areas or travel on a regular basis.

Diet

They are carnivores and efficient hunters. Yatzals eat whatever they can fit in their beaks or take down with ease to be plucked at in a hidden area.

Protection

Yatzals are a protected species. It's illegal to farm, hunt, kill, or otherwise harm them in anyway. Their feathers, scales, and eggs cannot be traded or bought. There is a fee and jail time for those found guilty of breaking these protection laws.
The Aizuni people have a special exemption from this. They still avoid harming them, but are allowed to keep any materials "gifted" to them my individual yatzals. If an Aizuni is found guilty of causing harm, their elders are allowed to punish them instead.

Type

Bird
Fish

Rarity

Rare

Location

Southern Regions

Status

Protected

Average Lifespan

Unknown