Feathered Lizards

The Feathered Lizard is a large reptile native to Epra.

Appearance

Feathered Lizards are large, normally about eight feet in length (not including their tail, which adds a few more feet), with two sets of legs. They are covered in feathers which are believed to help disperse heat. They also have sharp claws, teeth, and large round eyes that can vary from dark black to bright yellow.
They come in many colors and patterns but the most common across the breeds are brown or beige. Feather length and texture also vary across the breeds with some having long fancy feathers, but most have shorter feathers. Males and Females also tend to have some differences. Males tend to be bigger with larger heads and fancy feathers on their heads for wooing the ladies. Females tend to be smaller, but a bit chubbier, with less fancy feathers for camouflaging purposes.

Biology

Diet

Feathered Lizards are omnivores and can eat both plants and meat. They tend to prefer meat over plants, and will often hunt for small animals to eat.

Behavior

They have a herd mentality, where they group together into herds. They also have a clear hierarchy in these herds, with a dominant leader and then everyone being underneath them in the ranking.
They lay large soft-shelled eggs in clutches of 5-10. These clutches tend to hatch after three or four months. Babies, after they hatch, are featherless and their eyes are closed. They take around a year to become fully developed adults.

Uses

They are believed to have been native to Epra but it has been millennia since they were first introduced to other systems. They are common throughout the galaxy as labor-pulling creatures and are also used as ridden transportation. On Ocarro they have become a major part of the traditional culture and they have adapted quite well to the desert's environment.
Their main use is as a steed or for pulling a wagon. There are special harnesses and saddles for this purpose.
Their feathers are sometimes used in textiles. The long feathers of some breeds can be treated specially and woven into a piece of fabric, this kind of fabric is very expensive. More commonly their feathers are just used as decoration.
They may also be slaughtered for their meat. This is especially common on Ocarro where their meat has become a staple ingredient in many dishes along with Crocela. Their eggs, when cooked, may also be used in food.

Planet of Origin 
Epra