Oceanic Bard
Thalassopornis gigas
In the most remote reaches of the oceans of the Vernean Cavern, one may find a peculiar sight traversing the waves. The oceanic bard is a species of very large aquatic birds, similar in nature to those of Earth's penguins. Possessing an unmatched stamina, these birds are capable of traversing miles of open sea as they hunt for fish without needing to return to land to rest. Able to remain in open waters for weeks at a time, there is little oceanic territory these birds are unable to travel. Possibly the only time they can be seen on dry land is during their nesting season, in which hundreds of bards will emerge from the water on islands and coastlines to lay eggs and raise their chicks. This season only lasts a few brief weeks, before they return back into the water.
Typical adult bards can reach sizes of up to 3 meters (9-10 feet) in height. They possess coats of tightly packed feathers that serve as both insulation and waterproofing, as most of their time is spent in the water. Their bodies are rather slender, and they have broad, webbed feet which allow them to be very maneuverable while swimming. A dedicated predator would have little trouble hunting a single bard, but to combat this, bards often travel in large flocks to provide greater safety. Interestingly, bards appear to use a very primitive form of echolocation to assist themselves in hunting and identifying other members of their flock. Producing high pitched chirps and whistles from a specialized air sac in their bodies, they can better track the position of other animals, giving them a better edge against both predator and prey.
Given their time spent almost solely in the water, they have also developed methods to allow them to safely rest. When an individual tires, it will swim to the surface and fill a large, buoyant air sac. It will then close it off with a strong epiglottis-like muscle, preventing water to enter as they enter a torpor like state similar to hummingbirds. To avoid becoming separated, bards will swim close to each other and interlace their wings. This keeps them from floating away as they rest, as well as keeping them in a stable position, similar to a group of buoys tied together.
Typical adult bards can reach sizes of up to 3 meters (9-10 feet) in height. They possess coats of tightly packed feathers that serve as both insulation and waterproofing, as most of their time is spent in the water. Their bodies are rather slender, and they have broad, webbed feet which allow them to be very maneuverable while swimming. A dedicated predator would have little trouble hunting a single bard, but to combat this, bards often travel in large flocks to provide greater safety. Interestingly, bards appear to use a very primitive form of echolocation to assist themselves in hunting and identifying other members of their flock. Producing high pitched chirps and whistles from a specialized air sac in their bodies, they can better track the position of other animals, giving them a better edge against both predator and prey.
Given their time spent almost solely in the water, they have also developed methods to allow them to safely rest. When an individual tires, it will swim to the surface and fill a large, buoyant air sac. It will then close it off with a strong epiglottis-like muscle, preventing water to enter as they enter a torpor like state similar to hummingbirds. To avoid becoming separated, bards will swim close to each other and interlace their wings. This keeps them from floating away as they rest, as well as keeping them in a stable position, similar to a group of buoys tied together.
Comments