Turquoise Waterwader

Striding confidently through the crystal waters on stilt-like legs, bright blue plumage shimmering with vibrant majesty under Lux's sacred light.

A large species of heron, second only in size to the closely related Bronze Hernshaw. Turquoise waterwaders are a common sight in the sparkling waters of the Viridian Lakes, where they stride slowly through the pools of crystal clear water, striking at fish with their long, slender beaks.
Mature waterwaders stand on average approximately 150 cm tall from foot to hip, and can reach over 220 cm tall when they stretch their long, S-shaped necks skyward. Their wingspan averages at 250 cm to just over 280 cm. They are heavy birds for their size, with healthy mature individuals weighing as much as 8 kg. Their size and weight causes them to fly slowly and awkwardly, said to be "ponderous and ungainly". There is little dimorphism in size between males and females.
They are carnivorous birds by nature. Small fish are their primary and preferred prey, however they have been observed eating small frogs and newts, as well as small lizards and rodents that stray too close to their nests. They have long, sleek, slender beaks that stab through the water like a spear fisher.
The turquoise waterwader is surprisingly easy to tame and domesticate. if nest boxes are provided for them, they will quickly move in and settle down. They do not fear humans or other races, although they can become territorial if they believe their young are being threatened. The cultures of the Viridian Lakes primarily keep them for their feathers, as their bright plumage and soft down are in high demand. Their meat is highly prized, but the waterwaders are rarely slaughtered for it, and typically only in preparation for mid-winter festivals.
They have a low pitched, resonant call, and their courtship songs have a slow, melodic warble. This forms the inspiration for the traditional Waderneck Horn, an S-shaped wind instrument common to the cultures of the Viridian Lakes.

Scientific Name

Ardea Caeruleus

Average Height

150 cm foot to hipbone

Average Weight

8 kg

Geographic Distribution

• Viridian Lakes