Terror Bird

Terror birds, also known as axe beaks are large, carnivorous flightless bird that are used as guard animals and sometimes as mounts.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The terror bird has powerful legs, built for running and slashing with their sharp talons. Its wings are withered and vestigial, useful for swatting at insects at most. The beak is narrow and deadly sharp, capable of shearing flesh through fur, clothing and leather armor with no issue.

Genetics and Reproduction

Terror birds mate for life, and they reproduce every one to two years. Younger males usually abandon their flock when they reach maturity, and search their habitat to look for a mate in some other flock, to reproduce and bring about an entirely new flock.. Sometimes these outcasts will instead challenge the male of an existing flock for control of their family, but this rarely ends well for the challenger.

Ecology and Habitats

Terror birds prefer to hunt in the treeless and lightly forested grasslands and coasts, but they are known to venture into woods and swamps in search (or pursuit) of prey as well.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Terror birds are almost exclusively carnivores, occasionally taking vegetation to aid with digestion. They hunt in pairs or trios, and prefer to either flank their prey in a pincer movement (isolating them from the rest of the pack, or preventing their escape), or by simply tiring their prey out. They are not picky eaters, but tend to stay away from more dangerous predators such as ordbeasts.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Terror birds in the wild live in tightly knit families of at least 3-5 adults. They are led by the dominant male, who leads the other adults on hunts.

Domestication

Terror birds have been domesticated by the people of the Untamed Lands for several hundred years. Much of the wild bird's aggressive nature still remains, but the domesticated variety is much more suitable for life in a settlement. Their physiology has not changed in considerable ways, but they are much easier to manipulate and keep docile if their trainer can assert dominance on the leader of the family unit.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Domesticated varieties of terror bird are primarily used as mounts by the people of the Untamed Lands. They are ornery by nature and as such, they require extensive breaking in by the prospective rider before they can reliably be used for riding.
The ferocity and speed of the animal, combined with its sharp talons and beak make the terror bird a sought-after mount for warfare among the tribes. Though primarily an animal of the open steppes, they are much more suitable for navigating terrain such as swamps, forests and rocky hills than other mounts such as horses or camels.
The meat of a terror bird is lean and has a very strong, characteristic flavor. It is usually made into stew with tubers and herbs, though it makes for a very nutritious ration when as well. Terror bird eggs are large and a very good source of nutrition in the grassy plains.

Lifespan

24 years

Average Height

5 feet at the back, up to 7 feet at the head

Average Weight

275 - 300 lbs.

Average Physique

Lean and muscular

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Gray plumage that shifts to white in the chest , neck and head area. It has a small, red and leathery comb above its beak.