Ontarian Sievebill

**Appearance**

   *Baleena ontarioensis* has thick red-brown fur covering most of its body. Its beak, facial area, and wing/tail-like structures are hairless. It has a wide beak and large throat which expands slightly when necessary. The upper mandible of the Ontarian Sievebill is lined with structures similar to the baleen of some species of whale on Earth. The "baleen" is used in a similar manner to whales as well, as it's used to filter aeroplankton out of the thick atmosphere above Titan's surface. This species is capable of bioluminescence, and has ten spots on its tail which are able to light up. The chemicals that allow for this bioluminescence come entirely from *B. ontarioensis*'s food source, and primarily *Aurora titanius* in particular. The lights are used to communicate with other Ontarian Sievebills in flight. Due to Titan's thick atmosphere, cloud cover, and dark skies, the lights allow for this species to flock together, and avoid midair collisions. This bioluminescence is also used during courtship to attract mates, although that is primarily done while lighted on the breeding grounds.

**Feeding**

During feeding, *B. ontarioensis* opens its huge mouth and flies through swarms of aeroplankton before closing it again when its mouth is sufficiently filled. It exhales through the baleen-like structures, allowing for the organic material to remain inside, while the air and smaller particles are filtered out. This allows for the Ontarian Sievebill to avoid swallowing huge gulps of air when unnecessary. While this species can feed and travel alone, it is not uncommon to see groups of Ontarian Sievebill flying and feeding together. Groups of this species are typically referred to as "flocks" or "pods" and their numbers range anywhere from 2 to 10, but can reach greater numbers when multiple pods converge around feeding frenzies which occur at significant congregations of aeroplankton.

**Breeding**

This species forms massive breeding colonies on the mudflats of Ontario Lacus and other nearby hydrocarbon lakes. During breeding season, the skin on the face and beak become a brighter reddish-pink coloration. During courtship, both individuals will light up the bioluminescent areas of their tails and hold them upright as a mating display. The male will construct a nest and display near it, while females will wander between nests and decide on a suitable mate. The nests are similar to that of flamingos on Earth, and are comprised of mud and dirt built up higher than the water-level. Ontarian Sievebills typically lay 2-4 eggs per clutch and can have several clutches during breeding season due to the minimal care required by hatchlings. After hatching, juveniles will be fed by the parents at first, but are able to take flight fairly quickly and feed on their own. Hatchlings have also been seen attempting to filter out organisms from the liquid surrounding the nest to feed on.

**Range**

*B. ontarioensis* can be found almost anywhere in the skies around Titan, travelling great distances and following schools of aeroplankton on which it feeds. This species is very rarely seen on the ground outside of where it breeds, and will only land away from nesting sites if completely necessary. This species is a poor walker but individuals have been seen on the ground during major storm events, when flying conditions are difficult. Ontarian Sievebills' breeding grounds are restricted to the Southern polar region of Titan. They primarily nest on the mudflats Ontario Lacus, but also surrounding bodies of liquid near Titan's South Pole.