It's a shame we lost many species during The Great Shattering. Several ecosystems and food chains were devastated. I would've loved to study some of them, especially these penguins. I heard their feathers were quite the sight amongst the snow. — A young biologist talking to a peer.
These small flightless birds did not survive long after the Shattering. Most of their numbers plummeted soon after the event. A majority of their habitat was lost to the sea. The few remaining groups did not fair well with a now limited food source and an extreme change in the surrounding environment.
Physical Description
Starry penguins are short with a sleek build. Their bodies are covered in dark navy feathers with white speckling throughout. This coloration resembles the night sky which resulted in their name.
They have two feet and two wings. The latter are built to help these birds swim swiftly through the water. Their beaks are sharp and they have several rows of teeth to help hunt and latch onto fish.
Both their feet and beak are a dark grey. Their eyes are small, round, and have irises that are light blue, purple, or pale green.
Each penguin has a unique "star" patterning to their coats. Scientists in the past noted, however, that some shapes appear amongst many of the birds. One researcher published a book detailing the known shared patterns and referred to them as constellations.
Habitat
These birds thrived in the snowy climate of the islands located at either pole of the planet. Their feather coats were thick and waterproof. This protected them from the cold and aided in their water travels.
Their dark feathers were not a detriment in their stark white environment. It helped hide them from unsuspecting fish while hunting in the light less water. On land, they could glide quickly across the snow and ice on their stomachs. Some predators found them too nimble to hunt; the effort wasn't worth their small size.
The rocky shores provided plenty of nest building materials. There were also numerous hidden caves and alcoves to provide shelter. Many of these locations were destroyed during the Shattering and the survivors struggled to adapt.
Diet
Starry penguins are carnivores. They primarily hunted small fish. Sometimes a large group would work together to finish off any wounded larger animals if it seemed like they wouldn't run or put up a hard fight. Scientists observed them occasionally finish off anything from gravely wounded adult creatures to their young that got left behind for any reason.
Reproduction
Once a year during mid winter, mature adults would mate with their chosen partner. They were usually monogamous with the occasional members forming small poly groups. In the mid spring, pregnant females would lay a single egg. Incubation would last until the early weeks of summer.
Their eggs had pale grey shells with dark blue speckling. Each parent would take turns sitting on the egg while the other hunted. Egg less penguins would help as needed if any member was struggling, fell ill, or died. It was rare for an egg to be fully abandoned unless the year's conditions and food supply were particularly harsh.
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