Kuka

One of the few Otherworld species that have been at least partly domesticated, Kuka are large four legged birds. Their long spindly legs end in talons built to walk and grab. Snaking out from their front is a long, swan like neck culminating in a heron's head.

Wild kuka are comfortable in a variety of locations, from grasslands to forests. As long as there's food and moderate temperatures they're happy. They don't like freezing or burning temperatures, and so avoid deserts, tundras and other such extreme biomes.

Kuka mostly eat small creatures like mice and lizards. Flocks have been known to gang up on injured creatures though. When food is scarce, kuka are able to eat nuts and fruit, but don't like it as much.

Wild kuka form flocks of around 10-15. This is the average, and is subject to other factors. But these flocks stick together for safety, as they're low on the food chain. As for how the flock is oriented, the leaders are generally females. Kuka mate for life, and so don't have to worry as much about inbreeding, especially when two flocks meet. This means that chicks have both a mother and father. The mothers lead the flock, and often act as lookouts. The males meanwhile mostly look after chicks. One male may have several female mates, so their attentions are focused on their chicks. They still eat and sleep, but their main duty is chick care.

The easiest way of taming a kuka is to raise it from and egg. The kuka will imprint on you, and will follow you around. From there you can train it, cuddle it, do whatever you want. Being social creatures, they will happily join your 'flock'. This also works with hatchlings from previously tamed Kuka. You're part of the flock, so that flock's chicks will see you as such.   There is another way, but it is a lot more difficult. First you need to seperate a kuka from it's flock, which is no easy task. Then you need to catch it and move it to a taming enclosure. From there, you need to form a bond with it the hard way. Feeding, calming it, and making it think you're a friend. This works best if it doesn't see you when it's being captured, and older kuka are harder to bond with. When all's said and done you're better off hatching them.

Kuka are used largely as pets and guardians. If raised from birth, they are loving and loyal friends. They will rush to their friends defense if attacked, and can be fierce when provoked. Their eggs are also good food. If possible, most would rather hatch them, but if a dud egg comes out they're said to be good. Not amazing, but tasty.