Suine Hippalektryons

Kmúþic: Heipol Likmát heiːp^hɔl lɪːk^hmauːt^h

North Low Cyclopic: Hvop /x^wɔːp^h/ , Hvobb /x^wɔpː/

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Suine hippalektryons are winged omnivores native to the lowlands of Lúrk, Borgalor's smallest continent, and like the Equine Hippalektryons found at higher altitudes have mixed avian and mammalian traits.
Unlike their equine cousins, which outside their native continent are mostly found in zoos and farmed on a small scale, the suine ones spread throughout Borgalor as one of the world's most common livestock, as both the avian and pig-like halves of the animal produce meat that is highly popular among most borgaloreans, particularly in the Southlands.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The front half of the animal resembles that of an our world's babirusa, while the rest is similar to a brushturkey, with the former being mostly hairless but sporting feathers along the back and back of the front-legs. The hogs have long, curved tusks growing from their lower jaw.

Behaviour

In the wild, adults hippalektryons roam the lowland forests and brushlands of Lúrk in herds of up to a dozen animals, feeding on various plants and small animals, while the young live alone or in pairs until they grow too heavy to depend on their wings to escape predators, after which they join nearby herds or form their own. While adults can fly short distances, the wings are mostly used for display or to appear more imposing to when disturbed.
Much like the equine ones, suine hippalektryons hatch from leathery eggs beneath a large pile of sand and rotting leaves, usually eight to ten in a clutch, and leave the herd as soon as they can run. The males are the ones that create these piles, and the pair take turns removing or adding more material to make sure the temperature stays ideal for the eggs.

Suine hipplaketryon hog by Lappalingur

Origin/Ancestry

Lúrk

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The plumage ranges from dark brown to black, while the hide and hindlegs are usually ruddy, pale brown or grey