Double-Pair Thrush
A mountain bird with two sets of wings.
Basic Information
Anatomy
This unusual bird has a distinctive silhouette as it's legs have become a second set of wings. When at rest the front wings fold back like with other thrushes but the back wings can fold down to allow it to land and grab onto a perch. The back wings are not suitable for walking on so this bird tends to flutter from point to point using it's front wings.
Double Pair top view by Tanai Cuinsear
Genetics and Reproduction
These birds mate for life and will return to the same nesting site each year. The male attempts to attract a mate by building a nest from whatever it can find. These nests are built high on the mountain side and the younger birds tend to start building their first nests on ledges. It is therefore not uncommon during the nesting season for travellers to have to avoid falling debris from these early attempts at nest building. The birds who manage to attract a mate are the ones that build their nests in a sheltered location, protected from the wind and predators.
A mated pair will return to the same nest year after year and if something happens to the nesting sitethey will not build another one. A single incident like an earthquake or mistcast spell can easily destroy a nesting site resulting in the complete absence of new double-pairs hatching in a colony.
Ecology and Habitats
This bird favours a mountainous environment and it is speculated that it's unusual wings were developed as a way of dealing with mountain winds. Whle preferring a cool climate the double-pair does not do well in freezing conditions so will migrate from it's home in the Barrier Mountains to the smaller ranges down south during winter.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The double-pair mostly lives on flying insects, but it will go after spiders if they are in an exposed position. Most of these creatures are not active during the winter which forces the double-pair to migrate south in search of food.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
The double-pair was once seen as lucky and settlements in mountains were glad of the birds as they helped to keep the insect population down. However during the third age a rumour spread that the birds' organs were useful in casting flight magic. Despite the fact that these birds were no more useful in casting flying spells than other birds (that is to say not at all), a thriving market for freshly slain double-pairs nearly led to their extinction.
This was written to answer the Wings prompt for Bestiary February. Other articles can be found in Tremanac Bestiary February.
Lifespan
10 years
Average Weight
100g
Average Length
20cm
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
The body of this bird is a dark blue verying on black, with a dark red breast. It's front wings are a light grey with 2 red stripes and the back wings are a dark grey. The narrow beak is dark red-brown. The tail is marked with a yellow crescent.
Double-Pair Thrush by Tanai Cuinsear
Geographic Distribution
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