Canyon Glider

A demonic beast that lives in canyons cut by the wide rivers of the Demon Realm.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Canyon gliders are bipedal beak-mouthed reptiles with large leathery wings. They have varicolored brown feathers sprouting from the backs of their heads down to the base of their wide reptilian tails. Their long legs are adapted for catching fish, with four hook-clawed toes. They have three eyes arranged in a triangular pattern.

Biological Traits

Males have colorful scales around their heads, while females have muted yellows.

Genetics and Reproduction

Canyon gliders build nests in canyon crevices, where they lay eggs every ten years. Gliders mate for life, and their young continue to hunt with their parents for the first 7-8 years of life. 
Male canyon gliders perform courtship dances to attract a mate, which can be quite graceful to watch.

Growth Rate & Stages

Canyon gliders reach size maturity at 5-6 years of age, and sexual maturity at 10-12 years. They typically live around 100 years in the wild. 
Canyon gliders that live beyond 100 years continue to grow, and can reach up to ten feet long with a 30ft wingspan at 200 years of age. Elder gliders tend to slow with age, hunting bigger prey that sustains them longer while living closer to the bottom of a canyon.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Canyon gliders primarily eat fish in the rivers they nest above, but are able to consume a large variety of animals due to their unique mouth shape. They typically dive to catch fish in their feet, carrying them to their nest for consumption.

Biological Cycle

Roughly once a year, canyon gliders shed their skin as they grow - they also shed their plumage and grow new feathers during this time.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Canyon gliders typically live in widespread territories, and can fight with each other over better fishing spots. They are mainly solitary creatures, with the exception of child-rearing and their mates.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Exceptional eye-sight, including infrared in their third eye

Lifespan

100 years

Average Height

5-6ft

Average Length

15-20 ft wingspan