Great Plains Cockatrice

Basic Information

Anatomy

Great plains cockatrices are superficially avian in appearance. They stand on two taloned legs and have a pair of big wings. Two more pairs of limbs serve to help with gripping and manipulating objects. They are covered in scales which lengthen into feathers on their wings and tail, colored in yellowish-orange colors.

Biological Traits

0.6 - 0.8 meters

Genetics and Reproduction

Reproduction among the great plains cockatrices does not differentiate notably from most of their species. They usually construct nests for the eggs in trees, giving them greater chance of being undiscovered if both parents are out. Incubation time is shorter, ranging from 200 to 240 cycles.

Growth Rate & Stages

Great plains cockatrices are not born with their characteristic feathers, which they only sprout over the first year of their life, with true flight becoming possible in their second or third year. Until then, they are very dependent on their parents. Their mother and father typically moves them down to the ground when they can start moving on their own, so that they can exercise and start learning, but participation in actual hunts comes later than terrestrial basilisks, as the young must have mastered flight first.

Ecology and Habitats

As the name indicate, great plains basilisks prefer to lair close to large open areas of grass and field, though their own lairs are usually not out in the open.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Great plains cockatrices are carnivores, but beyond that have a very diverse diet. They fly across their territory scouting for potential prey. Once food is spotted, they typically prefer quick diving attacks, the goal being to deliver the potent venom, which allows them to take on animals bigger than they are. Once the target is paralyzed, it is quickly finished off. The cockatrice will eat as much as possible and then carry what it can back to its nest.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Like most basilisks, cockatrices are lonesome creatures for the most part. But as they are more mobile and range across their territory, they tend to get into more contact with other sapient beings. As such, they tend to be more sociable and less prone to eating people.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Great plains cockatrices have settled in a high number of different spheres. They are the species of cockatrice most people think off when they hear the word.

Average Intelligence

Great plains cockatrices display quicker reaction and ability to think on their feet than most of their kind, a trait that is quite useful for their more mobile lifestyle.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The magical eyes of the great plains cockatrice retain the capacity to see through darkness, allowing them to hunt at any time.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Great plain cockatrices names tend to follow standard basilisk conventions, although it is not uncommon for some to take or give names based on nearby civilisations.

Courtship Ideals

Great plains cockatrices have large territories to range over in search of food. Sometimes, these territories overlap. This is usually tolerable. However, if these cockatrices begin to develop interest in one another, hunting together is considered a good way to get to know each other. If the hunts go well, bonds tend to strengthen.

Scientific Name

Volantem Lapis Lacerta

Origin/Ancestry

Basilisk

Lifespan

120 - 140 years

Average Height

0.6 - 0.8 meters

Average Weight

250 - 300 kilos

Average Length

1.3 - 1.7 meters