Wooded Raptor
Common in the Raryit hills, large birds with powerful legs. Docile, but can be aggressive if provoked. Resemble massive birds of prey mixed with birds of paradise.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Wooded raptors are used to the close confines of the forests of Rerya and so are smaller than their roc cousins. All are flightless, though they have winds to boost them while running or to act as balance when traversing precarious lines and edges. They stand at seven feet and a stretched wingspan of twenty feet. Their beaks are hooked but can be trimmed, which causes no harm to the bird. They are bipedal with large scaly feet and talons. Their sharp claws can be used to break up stone, slice through tough roots, acting as the superlative natural plow. Their feathers are brightly colored, making them easy to spot in fields or between trees, while also being pleasant to look at.
Genetics and Reproduction
Their reproduction is limited, often provoked due to a lack of drive and incompatibility. In the wild mating rituals have been observed. These rituals have been replicated in captivity but the raptors seem to not care for them.
Growth Rate & Stages
The raptors start as eggs and hatch after a few weeks of incubation from the mother. The father wanders the forest for food, or grain in the case of domestication. The hatchling comes from the egg looking like a small version of its parents, with unique colors and markings on it. It stands about two feet tall. and pecks itself out of the egg. It reaches maturity in two years and lives to about thirty years as an adult.
Ecology and Habitats
Wooded raptors prefer the beautiful and bountiful forests replete with critters to eat. The insulated heavy forests provide a comfortable and steady habitat for them. The few taken outside these controlled environments do not last long or have diminished output.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Small forest mammals such as squirrels, small rodents, or moles make up a good portion of the wild diet. Domesticated raptors do well fed on grains, though regular supplies of meat are sought for increased strength and endurance during the busy months.
Biological Cycle
The raptor does not hibernate for no real winter comes to its habitat. It migrates north during the winter months from lower Rerya near Lochish and back south during summer months. Its migration pattern tends toward the steady environments.
Additional Information
Domestication
Domesticated raptors share the benefits of shelter and being cared for. They are retained in stables or barns with plenty of substance. They are usually free to graze on whatever wildlife dwell nearby, if let out of their fenced enclosures or fields. They can be ridden by nimble or smaller folk, such as gnomes or halflings, but due to their slow speed are more useful as farming helpers or beasts of burden. Timber-laden carts pulled by wooded raptors is not an uncommon sight.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Raptor egg shells mixed with their droppings can be used as impromptu fertilizer.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Rerish forests and woods, semi-tropical, humid environments.
Average Intelligence
Above average for a bird. Can understand speech if trained.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Despite being a bird, the wooded raptor does not have great vision. Being flightless and in the closeness of a forest the raptor has only developed a limited darkvision. They do posses a tremorsense of sort that allows them to dig and hunt the various moles and underground critters.
Lifespan
30 years.
Conservation Status
Raptors are not prolific. Their breeding is controlled and initiated by the farmers. The animals are considered among the farmers and workers of the region to be endangered if they cannot increase their population.
Average Height
7 feet.
Average Weight
300 lbs.
Average Length
6 feet.
Average Physique
Less strong than a bull, stronger than a horse.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Every wooded raptor has its own distinct markings, though families (called "flurs") tend to share similar characteristics.
Geographic Distribution
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