Falldiver Bird

Wondrous birds, aren't they? You'd be hard pressed to find a mortal amongst us who would dare fly over the falls, below them even, and yet they do it near daily. Would that I had half the courage contained in one feather of theirs.

— Balkehira Birdwatcher

The Falldiver Bird is a species of small seabird, found throughout the coasts and islands of the Finuhit Ocean but particularly in the southern reaches nearest the World's Edge.

Characteristics

Falldiver birds are somewhat larger than related seabirds, with a considerable wingspan and length. Adult falldivers have ash grey legs and coal black beaks. The majority of their feathers are white, barring black streaks around the eyes that resemble winged eyeliner, and black-grey mottled patterns on the upper wings and back. During winter and for many females, these darker elements fade into softer greys. In juvenile falldivers, these elements tend towards beige.
Falldivers further distinguish themselves by their dangerous choice of hunting grounds. While known to catch fish from the surface of the ocean or from short dives below, they most commonly feed by catching fish which fall over the World's Edge waterfalls, retrieving them before they can tumble into the void. They are among the only creatures known to go below the horizon and return with regularity.

Habitat

These birds can be found throughout the Finuhit Ocean, nesting on its many shifting coastlines and islands. It is most commonly found nesting on the stationary Laslin Cities, particularly those like Balkehir that are less than a kilometre from the World's Edge. Large colonies of Falldivers can be found nesting on the rooftops in these cities, causing mild havoc during hatching season when their young are most vulnerable.

Lifespan

20 years

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Average Weight

500 - 748g

Average Length

43 - 57cm

Average Wingspan

120 - 139cm

Geographic Distribution

• Finuhit Ocean

I've been training little Enna for three years now, don't you know? She's the star of my little show! Any ring she can fly through, any thrown object she can catch, and such a showman! Keep an eye out for her at my next performance - She's gonna retrieve something I toss into the sea!

— Carnival trainer