American stripe-throated moa (SciiFii)

The American stripe-throated moa (Anersias giganticus), also known as the stripe-throated anersia, is a species of waterfowl, most closely related to the geese of the genus Branta, despite its name, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforest, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American stripe-throated moa is a medium-sized bird, growing up to be about 20 cm (7.8 inches) in length. The American stripe-throated moa is entirely herbivorous and feeds primarily on grasses, seeds, grains, and shoots, although it is known to occasionally feed on aquatic plants. Unlike most waterfowls, the American stripe-throated moa has a large crop that contains bacteria that aids in digesting grass, allowing the bird to make in most of the nutrients. Unlike its relatives, the American stripe-throated moa has long and sturdy legs for walking, and has no webbing between its toes, being fully adapted to life on land. Unlike the closely related American dwarf moa (Anersias nanopoda), the American stripe-throated moa is entirely flightless, despite this, it has strong wings with fused wing bones used for defense against predators, similarly to Jamaican ibises (Xenicibis xympithecus). Despite its appearance, is is actually a fast runner, with its legs being sturdier than most waterfowls, having a long shin and a short thigh, giving the bird the ability to run swiftly from fast-running predators such as cats and canids. The American stripe-throated moa is largely solitary or lives in pairs, but the species is not aggressive towards other members of its species within its vicinity. Unlike the majority of the geese and relatives, the American stripe-throated moa is very calm and shows no aggression towards humans and other sapient species, so it is easily accepted to live in fields, parks, and other man-made grassy areas. Breeding occur in early spring or at the start of the rainy season in the subtropical and tropical areas. Females construct shallow nests and lay 3-5 eggs in a sheltered area, and the pair takes turns incubating the eggs for about a month. The species are very protective of their young, and the pairs remain together for life. The average lifespan of the American dwarf moa is usually up to about 40 years, although reports of American stripe-throated moas living past 40 years are not uncommon. The conservation status of the American stripe-throated moa is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American stripe-throated moa's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii