Duster

Dusters are large birds found around lakes and wetlands on the moon Two, orbiting Echos in the Sao Solar System.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dusters have a large, spherical body, with bright blue feathers. They possess a singular leg, which has 5 toes and a large, flat claw on each foot. Dusters have 2 heads, on long curved necks. Their heads are small, with tiny, black beady eyes and a large, downwards curving beak. The dominant head has a larger beak, which is a slightly darker orange as opposed to the yellowy orange of the lesser head.

Genetics and Reproduction

Dusters are an incredibly odd species, as males and females are connected in the same body. One head is a male, and one is a female - usually. Sometimes, two males or two females are produced, but it is very unlikely. Each egg will produce two genetically different and not biologically related babies, which will fuse into one being before hatching.
Because of this, these birds can lay fertilised eggs straight away. They lay these eggs during nesting season, which hatch after 3 weeks of incubation. Dusters lay 4-5 eggs once a year.

Growth Rate & Stages

It takes about 4-5 weeks for a duster to establish the dominant and the lesser head. It is decided by the head that eats the most food, and the one that shows clear dominance over the other. As dusters grow, the dominant head grows perfectly yet the lesser head will not eat much, and will be slightly malnourished.

Ecology and Habitats

Dusters live in wetland environments on the moon Two. They thrive in shallow, murky waters, where they filter feed for their food. During winters, they migrate closer to the equator where the water is warmer, as if they remain in cold water for too long then their legs will start to freeze.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dusters like to eat a variety of foods that they find in the wetlands. Most commonly they eat freshwater crustaceans and reptiles. They stab at their shells and exoskeletons in order to get to the meat underneath. They also like to turn their heads upside down and rake along the bed of the waters, catching small animals that they also eat.