Seer Hawk
Seer Hawks are large birds of prey native to the Highmoor and Shieldlands regions of Hyperborea. They are the only known breed of hawk to be completely blind, tracking their prey through a mysterious form of interplanar echolocation.
They are widely respected by both human and elven societies as falconry birds due to their strong hunting ability and trainability. In years past they were used by rural societies for survival, but currently they are mainly employed for game hunting. They are one of the more popular game birds used by falconry clubs across the world. Trained Seer Hawks are coveted by wealthy land owners in the south, often selling for 1000 gold pieces or more in large cities.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Seer Hawks have an average body length of 3 feet, and wingspans 6'5" to 7" wide. Females tend to be around 30% larger than males. They have heavy heads and large hooked beaks. Their feathers range from black to dark grey, blue, or purple, with the exception of a white patch on their foreheads resembling a wind rose. Their eyes are pupilless, appearing pure white.
Ecology and Habitats
Seer Hawks tend to favour large temperate forests or mountains.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Seer Hawks can detect prey as small as cockatrices, rabbits, or squirrels from a distance of 5 miles. They tend to circle high above their prey and then dive rapidly to catch it unaware. Seer Hawks are renowned for their speed, reaching up to 350mph during their hunting dive.
The exact mechanism by which Seer Hawks detect their prey is mysterious and an object of speculation with different theories proposed. The most widely held theory is that they use a method of interplanar echolocation, emitting a high-pitched cry, inaudible to creatures in the prime material plane, but which pierces through some interplanar membrane and brings them back information.
Geographic Distribution
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