Therean Riding Bird

The Therean riding bird is a two to two-and-a-half meter tall avian commonly used as a mount. There are numerous subspecies, but they all have the same basic body type. They have long, strong legs, small wings, a long neck, and a large beak. Most subspecies of riding bird can carry two human-sized riders over difficult terrain at around 30 kilometers per hour. Some can be trained to wear armor and carry riders into battle, but others are more skittish.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Therean riding birds have a similar body design to the flightless birds from which they are descended, such as the ostrich and the cassowary, but with a stronger, heavier build. They have a pair of long, muscular legs that end in three-toed talons which can dig into pavement for traction while running. Their hips and backs are strong enough to support the weight of riders. Their large heads sit atop a slender upright neck. Feathers cover all but their talons, with different colors for different subspecies.

Genetics and Reproduction

Like all birds, Therean riding birds lay eggs. Unlike most other birds, they almost always lay only a single egg. These eggs are often stolen to be sold, or even eaten.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Therean riding birds eat plants, large insects, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. They like to eat high-calorie animals as meals, and spend their days grazing on grains.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Riding birds have extremely sharp binocular vision, and see in a wider spectrum than humans. Their sense of smell is as strong as an average dog.

Conservation Status

Wild Therean riding birds are common in some parts of the world, and even in places where they are not, there are few beings interested in protecting them any more than any other animal. Some people hunt them for food, although most beings find their meat tough. In some places, riding birds threaten crops and are killed by farmers, who often grind them into fertilizer.