Shieldbeak

"What do you mean it broke the tree?.... No, I am aware of the literal definition, I mean how did it break the tree?.... Really?!"

— A disgruntled tree owner

Bumper Trees

Known for their tendency to run headfirst into objects that appear sturdy enough to withstand it, shieldbeaks are gentle creatures. While they aren't a common bird, they offer some benefits to their ownership, namely their speed and willingness to run for hours.
They are tall, flightless, and covered in an almost velvet-like shroud of feathers over their body and neck. These feathers plume up along the back of their head, stopping at a bare dome in their skull which they continue to harden over their lives by utilizing their most well known attribute; speed. By ramming their heads into objects at high speeds, they repeatedly cause minute fractures in their dome, which then heal and become stronger.

Hardheaded

Born from nests of several eggs at a time, shieldbeaks grow quickly, reaching maturity just six months after hatching. Shieldbeaks make their nests in the roots of trees, using the natural curves of the roots to form its shell which is then piled carefully with small sticks, moss, and other soft materials.
Shieldbeaks live in family groups, only removing themselves from their parental group after they have found their own mate, but due to their non-territorial instincts several groups can live together in the same area rather harmoniously.
They are relatively easy to tame and use as a mount, however their rarity and their speed makes them prized possessions despite the upkeep required to own one. Shieldbeaks require a large open field to graze in, as well as several thick, sturdy trees or similar objects to ram into, otherwise their domes will slowly degrade and soften. Should their domes soften, they risk causing severe brain injuries to themselves the next time they ram themselves into something.

Lifespan

Up to 30 years

Average Height

2 to 3 meters

Average Weight

300 to 350lbs