Pygmy Phoenix-Kite
The Pygmy Phoenix-Kite is the last hold out of the main species of Phoenix Kites. This smaller variant is semi-domesticated, and extinct in the wild. It's only possible to find those kept by falconers, or escaped feral specimens. In captivity they are quite common, as they are the most popular falconry bird in the world despite their size mainly due to their speed. These birds can reach a top speed of 220 miles an hour in a dive, only topped by some species of falcons.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Phoenix-Kite is a small phoenix, about the size of a jay, characterized by its sleek body, sharply angled wings, and rusty red coloration. Females are larger and more robust than males, averaging about a foot in length.
Genetics and Reproduction
Pygmy Phoenix-Kites, like their larger cousins, typically mate for life, with mating displays being put on by the males in late fall. They will use their flames to make entrancing displays, calling loudly the entire time, and seem to dance for the attention of females by flapping their wings, hopping, and bobbing their heads. Once they have formed a pair they will build a domed nest out of mud, clay, grass, and other fibrous plants and fire it into a hard clay, often impenetrable to other predators. This nest is kept warm once the eggs (between 4 and 9) are laid in early winter by their body heat, and reused season after season. If the nest is too damaged, the pair will destroy it, and reuse the materials to make a new one.
Pygmy Phoenix-Kites, while they lay more eggs than most other phoenixes, often will only see three of their offspring make it to adulthood. These offspring will stick with their parents until the next season or finding a mate of their own, at which they will stake out their own territories.
Ecology and Habitats
Once, when wild populations remained, cliffsides, mountains, and great forests were home to many thousands of these spectacular birds. The species was driven to extinction in the wild by the introduction of other larger bird species able to pursue the small birds for longer and outlast them in flight. One such species, the Great Harrow Eagle, has been known to wait for days outside Phoenix-Kite nests if unable to dig through the clay, forcing the birds to starve or risk leaving the nest. Reintroduction attempts have been unsuccessful, as their new predators are too ingrained in the ecosystem to remove, having long since replaced the Pygmy Phoenix-Kite.
Their success in captivity however means the species will live on, as they are easy to breed, take care of, and keep in optimum health. Their generalist diet means they can be fed anything from small fish to common meat found in any market, and as they don't eat much at once, are not too expensive even for the most amateur of falconers. Likely the most demanding of needs they have is for good quality clay to build nests out of and a suitable place, still many do perfectly fine in any large sized pen with a coop.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Pygmy Phoenix-Kite is a generalist carnivore, and will eat anything from small fish, mice, shrews, to other birds and small mammals. They will from time to time also eat berries and flowering plants, however this mostly seems to be them experimenting or taking them as snacks, rather than a large part of their diet. Like all phoenixes, the kites will cook their food using their flames before eating it.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Pygmy Phoenix-Kites are relatively social, often with young from previous breeding seasons staying with their parents until finding a mate of their own. They will assist in caring for their parents and siblings, and even guard the nest from predators. The kites have been known to care for their injured, such as individuals who cannot fly being kept in the nest with the young, and fed by their flock.
Domestication
Domestication is the sole reason that these birds still exist, with them having long since gone extinct in the wild. In captivity, they are a relatively calm and easy to train bird, becoming quite fond of their handlers, without the aggression to all others aside from their handler seen in many phoenixes. In captivity they enjoy much larger lifespans than the once wild counterparts, and much better diets. Due to their small size, popularity, and tame nature, these birds are the most popular falconry birds in the world and available even to the hobbiest. Many are also kept simply as pets, should one have the space to allow them to roam. The only difficulty in keeping a Pygmy Phoenix-Kite is providing good quality clay for nest building if a pair is kept, however single individuals can easily be kept in a simple coop.
In captivity through breeding programs and mutations, different variants of the kite have emerged, with albino, melanistic, smoke, ashen, and snow morphs being the most popular.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
In some areas, these birds are used to take out drones and other small flying robots, although they are mostly used for hunting. They are also a popular messenger bird due to their intelligence, and can be trained to bring small objects to particular people or places if trained to recognize them. Their feathers are also often used for making quill pens, as they are readily available. Infertile eggs are generally eaten by their handlers, or fed to other birds.
Average Intelligence
Pygmy Phoenix-Kites are well known and prized by falconers for their intelligence. They can be easily trained many commands, and remember locations for their entire lives, making them a common messenger bird.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
30-55 years (wild) 90-130 years (captive)
Conservation Status
Extinct in the wild, however semi-domesticated
Average Height
9 inches (males) to 1 foot (females)
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Rusted reds, oranges, and cream on their bellies are the most common colors.
Geographic Distribution
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