Lumara

The Lumara is a common bird that can be found in most parts of Mirateia with very few places not having at least a handful migrating through the area.
It may be the most familiar of all the wild birds in Mirateia with their natural habitat stretching over most parts of the continent and while they are mainly found in the wilds some groups have settled in the urban environments, mainly those around the coast.
The earliest mention of Lumara in texts dates back to the ancient Snamor people with what is believed to be a Lumara carved into a large piece of bone alongside other symbols which have been described as a text-based language and its believed that the symbol for the Lumara dont have any phonetic value and were mostly used as a determinative for the other words to indicate meanings such as small, narrow or tiny.
People have been known to keep Lumara birds as pets but they are very difficult to keep as they require a considerable amount of grains and insects to feed them. 
Despite their small size, the birds have from time to time especially when other foodsources have been scarce, become a source of food for the common people, their small size was and is not very well suited for any large meat based meals so the most common usage are that of using the birds to provide taste to a soup with the meat then helping making it a more filling.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

The gestation period for the Lumaras eggs lasts about 14-21 days from the time they are laid to they hatch, the female generally lay a clutch of between 3-5 eggs per nesting period.
When they hatch the chicks are featherless and they therefore require attentive care from their parents for several weeks until they are ready to leave the nest and begin to live on their own.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The females tend to live in small colonies of between 10 to 20 individuals with the males living on their own from when they are old enough and they will migrate between the colonies.
It's not common but it has been observed from time to time that males will form group, although this trend seems to be more common for the younger males who have not yet fully matured.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Their feathers are of vivid colours and therefore have become prized for their decorative potential as they retain their radiant colours for a long time after being plucked. Due to the vivid colours of the feathers, these have become an integral part of some of the ceremonial dresses that can be found all over the continent, with the groups using them ranging from the common people to high nobles and grand temples.

Facial characteristics

The Lumara possesses keep eyes that are framed by distinctive markings that are said to resemble silver flecks around their irises.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Lumara prefere the open lands not disturbed by mountains, instead they prefer land that is covered with forests and grasslands. While populations vary in density they can in general be found all over Mirateia.

Lifespan

6-8 years

Average Height

15-20 cm from the beak to the tail

Average Weight

Remarkable lightweight with a weight between 85 and 115 grams

Average Length

They have a wingspan of between 30-45 cm with the males having the larger wings for better gliding which helps their migration.

Average Physique

The birds have slender and streamlined bodies with elongated pointed wings that helps them dart through the skies over Mirateia gracefully.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

These birds boast iridescent plumage, shifting between soft shades of azure, violet, and indigo when caught in sunlight.