Dwarf Griffon

Basic Information

Anatomy

A member of the griffon family, the dwarf griffon has the hind quarters, tail, and body of a cat and the head and wings of a bird. The front limbs are also bird-like and have talons. The back, wings, and front half of the body is covered in feathers, while the rest of the body is covered in a coat of fur. Both the feathers and fur on the body are characterized into two types: a soft, insulated underlayer and an outer layer of longer hairs or feathers. This double layer of feathers and fur keep the griffon warm and dry, even in the coldest water.
It is rarely larger than a standard house cat, about 10 inches tall and about 20 inches long. It has a wingspan of nearly 70 inches across. The average weight is around 3 pounds.

Ecology and Habitats

The dwarf griffon is found near bodies of water, preferring wetlands to other locations. They are known to utilize riparian areas to move from one body of water to another. They enjoy nesting in trees and are capable climbers.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dwarf griffons are primarily piscivorous, with fish comprising nearly 75% of their diets, but they will also hunt small aquatic mammals and insects.  
They hunt from an exposed perch, usually between 30-130 feet above the surface of the water. Once a prey item is targeted, swooping down to snatch prey before returning to its perch. Larger prey are beaten against hard surfaces to kill it and remove defensive spines and bones before eating it.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The lake people of the Nerthus region domesticated a subspecies of dwarf griffons to assist with hunting small prey as well as pest control in their homes.
The long lifespans of domesticated dwarf griffons make them excellent companions. Many Nerthusian children are raised alongside a litter of dwarf griffon cubs. The lake people see dwarf griffons as a separate extension of their souls, and wild dwarf griffons embody the souls of the divine beings that exist in the lakes. They use feathers and claws of dead griffons in religious ceremonies.
The dwarf griffon is a popular target for poachers. Cubs are often stolen from their parents to be sold as pets in the northern countries. Adults tend to be poached for their feathers and claws. Full-body specimens garner large bounties from museums and collectors, further fueling poaching activities.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Griffons have excellent vision, and the dwarf griffons have vision that is well-adapted to hunting fish from above. Their eyes are capable of compensating for the refraction and reflection of water and can determine the depth of a target accurately. Dwarf griffons have nictitating membranes that protect their eyes when diving into the water.

Lifespan

30 (wild) / 60 (domestic)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Wild dwarf griffons have colorful plumage, often bright blue or green wings and backs. They have white throats and blue-black crowns. Their underparts are often white or yellow.
Domesticated dwarf griffons tend to have more vibrant coloring compared to their wild counterparts. The most common coloring is a bright blue upperpart, orange underpart, and a dark beak, but rare variants include purple, red, yellow, white, and black coloration.