The massive Vira Bekos are aggressive and territorial birds with sharp hooked foot claws and a powerful beak. They feed on small mammals and birds, swallowing their prey whole. Undigested parts, such as bones and fur, are regurgitated in oblong pellets about twelve hours after ingestion. Young Vira Bekos consume a similar diet, although they or their parents may tear off parts if the prey is too large. In autumn, Vira Bekos flock together in large groups—colloquially known as terrors—to find mates. Vibrant displays of their tail feathers and a swaying courtship dance are used to gain attention and reflect interest. Same-sex pairings are not uncommon, and although they cannot produce their own young, they will help raise surplus young from other nests. A typical clutch is four to six eggs, but raising more than two chicks is difficult for a single pair, so extras are adopted out. Partners take turns in guarding the nest and hunting. Once a clutch has grown, both parents and offspring go their separate ways until the following breeding season, when new mates are chosen. Despite their antagonistic nature, Vira Bekos show a surprising interest in colorful objects and have been observed patiently studying flowers or even stray Cielarka Cimos.

The creatures that dwell in this rather desolate world still display some diversity in appearance, eating habits, and social behavior. Whether they have fur or feathers, skin or scales, their unique genetic makeup allows for a variety of colors and markings within each species. Despite limitations in food sources, herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores are all present in the food chain, and each species requires specialized care within a laboratory. Although the artificial setting of housing units and breeding pods precludes most opportunities to study true interspecific behavior, the interactions within and between species has been studied extensively in the wilderness by scientists daring enough to venture beyond the outpost’s walls.

Creature Notes

• Udarac was purchased from the Market, and is quite well behaved towards humans, with necessary safety precautions in mind, naturally. So far, she's taken well to any handling, and is exceptionally food-motivated.