Sukhilx (Su-jil-sh)

"They are the perfect combination of a camel and a chicken, but if were you, I wouldn't put my finger on that beak."

— A random breeder describing these birds

Sukhilx (Сухилш) is a non flying avian species that can be found in Southern Moskova, specially around the Shymkents Oblast and Ma-Khalach Oblast as well as some isolated areas of Thaikistan Oblast. It is known due to it's big size and special relation with surrounding human communities.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Sukhilx are tall, robust birds. They walk is bipedal and their legs are long, highly muscular. Their feet got just two thick fingers with big claws that prevent they to slip while running.
Their body is round shaped and their wings are short and covered by feathers in all their extension excepting the thumb and index finger, which got small claws. The mantle got two layers of fluffy feathers that keep air between them, working as a thermal insulator. The most common colors for the feathers are grey and brown, but red and yellow individuals exist and are considered the most beautiful.
The neck is long and curved while the head is small, covered in short and soft feathers. Their forehead has an ornament of long feathers and the beaks is straight and long.

Ecology and Habitats

Sukhilx are birds well adapted to dry climates, as they can be found in deserts and steppes. They gather fat in their abdomen which they use to stay hydrated during long periods without drinking water. Their fluffy feathers give their skin protection against both cold and sunburnt.

Dietary Needs and Habits

These giant birds are omnivores, as they can eat grass, flowers and animals such as lizards, insects and many more. They also can be seen eating people's waste.

Additional Information

Domestication

Sukhilx domestication is a process that had taken a long time because birds tend to be harder to control than other types of cattle animals. Native communities have developed methods for attracting the animals like for example feeding them.
Several varieties of Sukhilx birds have different temperamental traits an physical appearance, making them harder or easier to tame depending on the case. Breeding had gathered several of those traits for creating new bird varieties like for example the Cargo breed and the Runner breed.
The Cargo breed is shorter in height and is very corpulent for easing carrying a lot of weight, but is a bit slower than the average wild Sukhilx. Cargo Sukhilx can carry up to two times their own weight.  The Runner breed, contrasting to the previous one, has a more stylized shape, but maintains the strong musculature of their legs. It tends to run fast as a wild Sukhilx or even faster. Their temperament tends to be more aggressive than Cargo 's one, making this breed harder to control.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

This species of bird is used for several things due to its strong body, high running speed and big size. The main use is transportation, mostly of cargo (clothes, bags, carrying carriages) but also of humans. Sukhilx are alongside camels, the preferred cargo animal for very hot and dry places, since they can handle to be more time without drinking than horses or donkeys. Cargo Sukhilx are preferred to have a calm temperament and a large size.

Bird racing

A very peculiar use of these birds that catch the attention of foreigners are the bird races. These are events that are mostly done in the city of Karrastrama and surrounding areas, but it is unknown if it Is done clandestinely in other places. Racers ride the Sukhilx individuals in short tracks, usually circle shaped. These races tend to be quick and can be dangerous for riders since the fastest individuals are used, and those tend to be the ones that can be the most aggressive and can get stressed easily.
Most riders tend to sit on the bird's back during races, but some brave ones can perform acrobatic exercises while running. The presence of acrobatic moves in the races is a trait borrowed from Kozzakhi populations and their unique acrobatic horse riding, specially from the Thaiki Clan, which used to be the one closest to this geographic area.

Runner Sukhilx by Gege16

Cargo Sukhilx by Gege16

Lifespan

30 years

Conservation Status

The conservation status of this creature is considered to be "minor concern" in Shymkents Oblast since it is easy to find both domestic and wild individuals, while in Thaikistan Oblast they are rather rare, living confined in isolated areas, most of them close to the southern frontier of the country.

Average Height

1.5 m-2 m

Average Weight

150kg-170kg

Political Divisions of Moskova

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The Kingdom of Moskova is divided in several administrative units.

• Provinces: Locally known as "Oblasts".
• Territories: They have the same political status as provinces but the difference is that them were more recently acquired.
• Northern Lands and Domains: These are also called "Wild Lands" and are territories that are claimed by Moskova but couldn't get an official status yet because their population and amount of settlements is small or because them are mostly unexplored due to their natural and supernatural dangers. Each domain is gets its name thanks to it most recognizable or most common animal species.