Clawed Pheasapteryx

The clawed pheasapteryx is a species of pheasapteryx found in the northern forests of the Ivory Empire.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The clawed pheasapteryx is the largest of the Imperial pheasapteryx species, standing nearly 2 feet tall and nearly 5 feet long. Clawed pheasapteryxes are bipedal, and they exhibit functional didactyly, effectively walking on the two toes of their back legs. A third toe does exist, held off the ground and bearing a large, sickle-shaped claw.
Like all pheasapteryx species, the clawed pheasapteryx is winged and capable of some level of flight. It has a 5-foot wingspan. It takes its name from the pair of claws coming from the joint between the metacarpus and forearm bones. These claws allow the clawed pheasapteryx to climb the trucks of trees to nest during the night. 
Clawed pheasapteryxes have teeth in their beaks. Their heads are noted to be elongated and narrow with forward-facing eyes enabling some degree of binocular vision.
Although they are winged, clawed pheasapteryxes are stronger runners. Their long bony tails provide additional support and stability while running.  When running, the arms are folded against the body, though they can be deployed to grab onto things as needed. 
Clawed pheasapteryxes exhibit a degree of sexual dimorphism. Males tend to be slightly larger than females, usually 5-10% larger, with markedly more iridescence to their feathers, while the smaller females tend towards a dark, dull brown coloration. Both males and females are dark in color.

Genetics and Reproduction

Clawed pheasapteryxes gather in the late fall through the winter, and they pair off in the spring at the start of the breeding season. Pairs are monogamous, with mates returning to the same breeding areas year after year to breed. Pairs become aggressive towards other pairs.
Females lay between 8 to 10 eggs. Incubation last from 21-24 days, and the precocial chicks leave the nest with their parents within hours of hatching.

Ecology and Habitats

The clawed pheasapteryx is found chiefly among the northern forests of the Ivory Empire. The largest population is found in the Solnhofen Forest, famous for its large trees.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Throughout most of the year, the clawed pheasapteryx eats insects, small birds, small mammals, grains, and plants. 
Clawed pheasapteryxes are capable of hunting larger animals when in a large group, and this sudden level of cooperation between members of the species is believed to be fueled by the approaching breeding season, when being well-fed would be beneficial to breeding pairs.