Sniptail

Despite their acclimation to the Ludwagian tundra, they’re not native to Ludwag. They come from the far south continent of Hallmond- likely transported during the Dwarven migration for purposes that go unrecorded. Since their introduction they have radically altered the Amnisican biota. They’ve come to dominate the arboreal predator niche to such an extent that they have begun to push the Buata to the brink of extinction. Given their exotic appearance and elegance they’re often kept as domestic pets. However, due to their high maintenance, only the wealthy can afford to keep them. Wild populations inhabit pockets of wilderness where sapient species do not frequent- an elusive and rare oddity that intends to remain hidden.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

Contrary to a mammalian appearance, the Sniptail are indeed birds. Their forelimbs have since redeveloped the claws and arm bones which once supported their ancestors to adopt a quadrupedal stance. Their flight is still appropriate though somewhat reduced to other birds, able to fly long distances but not particularly high. At times, Sniptail do exceed the height of the trees around them but doing so is quite strenuous. They’re able to match a thoroughbred horse’s speed when they dive, a devastating move to whatever is unlucky enough to be caught in the impact. Three curled talons end each of its hands, used to both hook onto the sides of trees and restrain prey.  On the ground they’re not as fast but can certainly still chase small rodents. Their hindlegs allow them to leap a couple yards distance in a single bound, letting them close the distance on unsuspecting victims.

Sniptail are predatory creatures with a number of key adaptations to secure prey. While the aforementioned talons do the restraining, it is the serrated beak that does the killing. Typically, this beak is partially covered by a fleshy lip so as to appear unassuming, only when the Sniptail is aggressed or about to attack does it unfurl to reveal the insidious weapon. Sniptail have a comparatively poor sense of smell but exceptional hearing and sight. The rabbit-like formations around their ears concentrate sounds so that the Sniptail can detect the slightest aberration within close proximity. Like a rabbit they can also be swiveled independently so the Sniptail can focus on multiple sounds at once. They can pinpoint targets from the air using their acute vision, able to discern an animal hiding in the thickets despite camouflage. However, Sniptail can’t see very well at all at night.

Like all birds, Sniptail are egg laying. While all Sniptail have an insulating coat of feathers, females have an additional layer on their underside. When they have their clutches during the winter the ground is too cold to incubate eggs. The female opts to instead rest her eggs upon her feet and cover them in this coat so that they do not freeze. She will incubate them for up to a month without feeding herself. Without the assistance of her mate this would likely be fatal, but the male will kill in surplus to ensure that his partner does not starve. Hatchling Sniptail are born feathered in a downy coat. For the first six months of their lives they’re totally unable to fly, relying on trees and their parents to keep them safe and fed.

#### Psychology

Exceptionally intelligent, the Sniptail are some of the most tactful hunters on Ludwag. They operate either alone or in pairs, using the terrain to confuse prey. Sniptail are fairly adaptable and have no real prey preference. On occasion they’ve been able to bring down prey larger than themselves though this is rarely reliable. Sapient races have never been subject to predation but attacks have been conducted. Sniptail are extremely territorial and protective over their nesting range, attacking anything they deem a threat. In larger animals, they often aim for the sensitive organs like eyes and snout to harass them away.

Sniptail are partially domesticated- though domestic Sniptail tend to be dimmer than their wild counterparts. They can be instructed much like other birds of prey, able to respond to a number of complex commands. Sniptail are generally just as affectionate as a cat which has made them a tempting alternative to conventional pets.