Pheasants

Pheasants can be found in the forests, grasslands and northlands throughout The Gates. They have a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and peculiar adaptations.
Tunneling Pheasant - Has similar shape and gorgeous colored plumage that one would find on a pheasant. Long tail feathers, vibrant neck and face with browns that line the body and wings.
Was discovered by Kaswink after it appeared near camp while she was surveying for “unusual creatures” on Nurend 10, 308 as it dug its way out of the ground with a fantastic noise. Its body, under closer inspection, was decorated with brown pebbles where one would expect feathers. They grow together closely, with feathers of varying length poking out between them. This could be confused for a skin condition, though they do not seem to hurt the pheasant and rather provide protection as it digs through the ground.
Its talons look to be adapted for a subterranean life and look capable of digging incredibly quickly like a badger or a mole. Its wings are similarly adapted with long “talons” growing from the bent elbows and curved claws at the tips of the wings likely for support to “fly” through the ground as it moves. When it attempted to flee it was observed that the creature moves similar to a badger or mole on all fours rather than on its rear legs like a bird normally would.
The meat of this particular pheasant had a very particular umami sensation remeniscent of other earthy foods like mushrooms or certain teas. It did not seem to have any negative side effects when ingested and would be an ideal game bird were it not so often hidden underground... perhaps there is a way to detect their presence somehow.