Setican Terrorbird

The Setican Terrorbird, colloquially known as the Bird of Paradise is native to the jungles of the Setican Coast and are known for their shimmering azure and orange plummage.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Setican Terrorbirds possess long, narrow faces adorned with a sharp, hooked beak that have grooved edges that resemble human teeth. Their eyes are typically a deep, crimson red or bright orange. A vibrant mane of orange and green feathers stretch from their beak across their back. Their bodies and faces are covered in deep, azure blue feathers with white markings that coat their cheeks.
When standing, Setican Terrorbirds balance on their toes with the hallux - commonly referred to as the hind toe - turned backwards. Each toe possesses a long, sharp claw adept at cutting into the flesh of small prey and fruit. The leg structure, beginning from the toe, features a backwards ankle-like joint before continuing upwards to the knee. From here, the leg attaches to the main body, although this part is obscured by a thick plummage of body feathers. The visible portions of the legs display black, boney scales. It is these long legs that grant the Setican Terrorbird its significant running speed, reaching approximately 30-40 mph when grounded.
Spanning an impressive 10 foot to 12 foot wingspan, Setican Terrorbirds possess the ability of short-ranged flight. Their wings allow them to travel a few miles a day, allowing them increased mobility from their already impressive running speed.
Another notable feature of the Setican Terrorbird is its concealable neck, which hides beneath its blue feathers when grounded or in a subdued position. It can extend roughly one to one and a half feet in length, allowing the Terrorbird to reach higher fruits without the need for flight.
Despite these incredible features, Setican Terrorbirds do possess one notable weakness - their hollow bones. While they possess advantages in both speed and flight, their lightweight bones make them susceptible to damage and injury if subject to excessive force.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Setican Terrorbirds are primarily frugivorous birds, but have displayed a remarkable adaptability to become omnivorous when small and vulnerable prey is available. While their main diet consists of fruits, seeds, and nuts, these avian creatures have been observed eating a wide range of diverse food sources, such as: fish, rats, mice, snails, giant insects, carrion, and even humans.
One intriguing aspect of Setican Terrorbirds is their apparent immunity from toxins found in various organisms. They have been witnessed eating poisonous frogs, plants, insects, and even fungi with no detrimental effects. This unique resilience distinguishes them as exceptional foragers and allows them to explore and consume a larger range of food sources than other native species.
Due to their immense size, Setican Terrorbirds are solitary eaters in the wild. They also possess strong throat muscles, which allow them to effectively consume whole fruits and small animals whole with no difficulty.
Setican Terrorbirds also play a pivotal role within their native habitat as a keystone species. They exert significant influence on the ecosystem by regulating the population dynamics of their prey and prevent serious impact on the overall structure and diversity of their environment.

Bird of Paradise by Midjourney.AI

Lifespan

25-35 years

Average Height

Female
6 to 9 feet tall
Male
4 to 6 feet tall

Average Weight

Female
50 lbs to 75 lbs
Male
30 lbs to 50 lbs

Geographic Distribution

• Setica

"No other beast on this or any other landmass embodies the spirit of kin than this [Setican Terrorbird]. It stands as a symbol of unwavering tenacity, untamed ferocity, and resolute determinism. Just as these creatures flourish amidst the perils of this forsaken jungle, so shall we prevail. We have shed the shackles of the Old World's decrees and embraced a new order."
-Setican Soldier Following Independence