Roukoo

Roukoos are an sapient corvid-like bird species found in The Open Sky

Basic Information

Anatomy

At a glance, Roukoos resemble large crows with black and white feathering and bright wingtips of varying colours.
Closer observation will reveal their dromaeosaur-like hands on their wings, sporting 3 dexterous clawed fingers and a shorter thumb claw. Their hands are, while not as dextrous as those of humans, are well adapted to tool usage and crafting. Their wings don't comfortably  fold quite flat to their body as birds would, usually held with a slight downward angle
They have a strong rook-like bill well adapted for piercing and tearing meat. Their beak is rather dextrous and can be used almost like a third hand.
Their feet are anisodactyly, sporting 3 front digits and a 4th reversed toe (hallux) situated at the rear of their feet, each tipped with black claws. Their feet are covered in white downy feathers from the ankle down to their claws, akin to snowy owls, protecting their extremities from the cold.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Roukoos are omnivorous, eating a combination of both meat and plant matter. While naturally scavengers, an ever-increasing number have taken to getting food from Humans, in return for work or favours. Historically, they would feed primarily off carrion and small animals, supplemented by fruit and even scavenging parasites from Cloud Whales. While food is often eaten as it is found, they will often return food to their colonies where it can be stored and preserved for later, usually through drying, though honey-based reservations becoming popular as imports from Hihobea and Hexahive become more common.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Roukoos are a native species to The Open Sky, often found nesting on craggy or brush-covered islands. They can also be found in and around Sky Folk settlements.
There are also a few small nesting colonies that have been established on other worlds since inter-world travel became accessible.

Conservation Status

No risk
Nests islands are protected by law

Average Height

2-2.5 ft

Average Length

5 ft (Wingspan

Geographic Distribution

• The Sky