Saffronbeak

Saffronbeaks are a predatory bird on the moon Two, orbiting Echos in the Sao Solar System.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Saffronbeaks have a generally brownish plumage, with darker feathers on their backs and white feathers on their bellies, which are much softer. They possess several black stripes on their large, rounded wings. Their heads are small, with a saffron coloured hooked beak and large eyes. These eyes are a yellow colour, and help them spot prey from far away. These birds have a layer of saffron on their beaks, which shed when it grows too much, similar to many animals shedding velvet from their antlers. Their legs are long, with 5 toes, 3 facing forwards, two facing backwards, with incredibly long, sharp claws that grip their prey. Saffronbeak tails are long, with rounded tail feathers.

Sexual Dimorphism

Saffronbeaks have a clear sexual dimorphism. Females are larger, but with a more subtle plumage that does not appear to have much of a colour change between their bodies and bellies. Their tails are much longer too, with yellow spots on each tail feather.

Genetics and Reproduction

These birds are very good parents. During their first nesting season, they create a large nest on the very tops of trees, where no other bird dares to go. Every singly nesting season, this nest expands, and in some cases entire trees have become a single nest. Females lay 2 eggs every nesting season, which take 4 weeks to hatch. The nests are spherical in shape, with a single entrance at the top of the nest leading into a large room for the birds and their babies.

Growth Rate & Stages

It takes roughly 8 weeks for a chick to grow into an adult. During these 8 weeks, they will shed all of their feathers twice, the first time at 3 weeks old and the second at 7 weeks old. When the chicks are ready to leave, they will use their claws to try and climb up the side of the nest, and leave out of the hole. Chicks are not in a good situation; they must learn to fly for the first time, and if they don't, they will fall to their death.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Saffronbeaks are the top predator in their areas. They fly high in the sky, constantly watching movements on the ground for small mammals, reptiles, and birds. They are commonly seen divebombing birds in the skies, flying at speeds of 80mph and slamming their claws straight into birds mid-flight, turning back and flying in the skies to consume them in peace.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Like most predators, saffronbeaks have very good senses. Their hearing is impeccable, able to detect small vibrations of their prey and sense exactly where they are located. Their large yellow eyes can spot tiny prey from miles away.

Geographic Distribution

• Two