Skarva

A species of large cormorant that is found in The Bay of Scales.
Sizes of Skarva vary from place to place, but generally are around 10ft tall with a wingspan of 30 to 40ft and as such capable of supporting the weight of a grown adult humanoid. Typically they are used as short distance personal transportation for the Humans, Halflings, Gnomes and Dwarves of the region. Despite several attempts, there has been no success in breeding Skarva with larger carrying capacity or longer range.
The Fastest birds are sometimes entered into small championships, in place of horse racing, as it doesn't require flat circuits which could otherwise be used for growing crops. Sometimes rivalries are settled on the outcome of a Skarva race, with some races carrying a large victors purse.