Þe'haned Birds

Þe'haned Birds¹ are small, flightless seabirds endemic to the cliffs lining the coast of Ela'k Forest in western Dragonía. They are preyed on by Cliff Martens which share the birds' habitat.

Cultural significance

Útels living along the coast, particularly Veans, often announce important events within their families near the cliffs, believing the þe'haned birds (the name means messengers of the dead in Vean tongue) will carry the message to the ancestral spirits living under the sea.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Þe'haned birds are small, wingless, with relatively long beaks and extremely strong legs, with webbed feet and sharp claws. The powerful legs not only make the birds excellent swimmers, but allow them to return to their nests after diving into the Klalaþan Sea by climbing up the cliffs.

Genetics and Reproduction

The birds lay the eggs (usually one-three) on a shelf below the one that houses their nests, so that the hatchlings need to climb up to reach their parents, encouraged by the latter's chirping. The parents take turns fishing, guarding the nest and feeding the young some half-digested fish for two or three weeks, at which point the bird leaves the nest.

Ecology and Habitats

Þe'haned birds are found in greatest numbers along the southern coast of Ela'k Forest, between the Vúrakesen Mountains to the south and where Háv'þal River cascades down the cliffs.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The birds' diet consists of several species of small fishes found near the surface of Klalaþan Sea.

¹Original icelandic: þe'haned-fuglar, singular: þe'haned-fugl

by Lappalingur

Origin/Ancestry

Western Dragonía.

Conservation Status

Least concern.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The back, part of the neck, legs and beak are black -except for the tip of the beak, which is yellow- and the rest is white aside from irregular markings on the sides and a large, black spot behind each eye.