Penecta (Pen-EK-tuh)

Penecta are small, quasi-reptilian carrion birds that typically live in large flocks near both Xaa  and Bloodgrass, with whom they have a semi-symbiotic relationship. They are strangely quiet birds en-masse, only using high-pitched trilling calls to signify danger.
'Penecta' is both the singular and plural term.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Two-legged, with three additional small claws on its webbed wings. Back and throat are covered in small feathers, while rest of body is covered in small scales. Tail is a short plume of stiff prime feathers. Head is notably bird-like, with a short, sharp, curved beak and a crest of webbed spikes. Feet have four sharp talons.

Genetics and Reproduction

Females typically lay one to three eggs (1.5" in diameter, light brown) once every five to six years shortly following the mating season (Season of Ripening). Preferred nesting areas are rocky but not very high.

Ecology and Habitats

They are not typically seen outside of temperate climates. Otherwise, any area with a high possibility of carrion on which to feed will likely attract flocks, such as Xaa colonies or large areas of Bloodgrass.

Dietary Needs and Habits

As carrion feeders they are primarily carnivorous; it is rare for them to kill prey themselves. In times of famine they are more prone to merging with a more successful flock or simply entering a hibernation of sorts.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Large flocks numbering from anywhere between fifty to two thousand; the average flock size is usually two to three hundred individuals but in both times of plenty and famine flock merging is common and usually done with ease. The largest flock was an estimated five thousand or more during the War of the Six and well into the early years of the Plague of the Bitter Hand as communities struggled with enough Shepherds and burial services for their dead; sometimes entire villages became 'penecta roosts'. 
It is common for the sick and elderly to be killed and eaten. They react extremely aggressively when their territory is intruded upon, their eggs are threatened, or a flock member is attacked or captured.

Domestication

On the rare occasion that one is able to be caught and trained as a courier-bird, this is done over a period of years and only possible if an item with a potent smell is able to be taken from their regular roost. For example, if a flock roosts near Bloodgrass, some of the bloodgrass will be taken and fermented into a 'scent-cake'; the bird is then trained to return to this cake. It is most successfully done with a hatchling or very young bird.
Obstacles to this process include: being able to physically catch the bird; being able to remove it from the flock without being attacked; the stubbornness and low intelligence of the bird itself; and high risk of the bird ignoring or being distracted from the facsimiled scent-cake.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

They are generally too small to produce any byproducts of value; however, they are trainable (even if this is rare) as courier-birds.

Facial characteristics

Eyes are typically yellow-green.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Throughout temperate Icalar.

Average Intelligence

Low

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Sharp homing instincts. Similar to starlings, they are also able to perform murmurations (most often seen during the mating season and occasionally during a large feeding).

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Xaa, Bloodgrass

Lifespan

Approx 12 Years

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Average Length

4-5"

Average Physique

Fragile to gamy.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Both scales and feathers typically range from gold to brown, though some burnt-orange specimens have been seen. Beaks and talons are ivory-colored.

Geographic Distribution

• Icalar