Shrimptail

A small, energetic bird with a wide tail similar in shape and colour to that of a shrimp. The birds are common, beautiful and have an attractive song.

Basic Information

Anatomy

They are small, salmon coloured hummingbirds. Their tails are wide, V-tailed and consist of 4 wide feathers and a small, short, stiffer feather in the middle. They are slim and have long, thin beaks. They can hover, but also be incredibly fast.

Biological Traits

The male shrimptails are a fiery red, whilst females are often more salmon pink in colour.

Genetics and Reproduction

Same as any hummingbird.

Growth Rate & Stages

Same as any hummingbird.

Ecology and Habitats

They need flowers above all. Their original habitat is around the flowery forests of Luricia. They became an invasive species in Fereloqa since the dwarven age, yet these days Rosera especially is known for a large, musical population. Around Central and Western Fereloqa they have found several habitats and very few natural predators.
During winter these birds migrate West, either to the Wildering Wilds or to the warmest areas of the Everon Forests.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Shrimptail survives mainly on nectar and small insects.

Biological Cycle

The birds migrate to warmer areas and survive mainly on insects.

Additional Information

Social Structure

The birds hide their nests within shrubbery or in any small, hidden place. For example, in Feysted they are often found nesting within the rosebushes. There they lay eggs and switch places to hunt and bring food to any hatchlings.

Domestication

Shrimptails are sometimes kept in cages for their song, but are demanding pets. They are hard to feed and easily die from environmental factors or lack of the right nutrients.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

They are too small and hard to catch to be a popular foodstuff, but can certainly be eaten. Furthermore they are useful pollinators.

Facial characteristics

A long beak and small head with males having a comb on the head.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

All of Luricia, Eastern Nerys, Eastern Peagox and Central Fereloqa

Average Intelligence

Low intelligence, but highly developed flight stability.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They are not particularly perceptive, but they think and perceive fast.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Several small, invertebrate parasites

Origin/Ancestry

Luricia, successful but invasive in Fereloqa

Lifespan

2 to 4 years

Conservation Status

Least concern

Average Height

8-12 cm

Average Weight

3-4 g

Average Length

9-13 cm

Average Physique

Swift but weak and fragile

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Males: bright red with black spots, a black beak and grey claws Females: Salmon coloured with a slightly warmer orange gradient in the tail and on the wings, a black beak and orange claws