Nighthawk

Nighthawks are a large falcon species native to the island. Exceptionally intelligent, Nighthawks are omnivorous and known to eat just about anything. Colored almost completely black, from a distance they are often mistaken for crows by immigrants to the island until they get closer and their full size can be seen.

Description

Nighthawks are a large bird of prey noted for their exceptional intelligence and adaptability. With a wingspan of more than a full meter in maximum apex, they weigh roughly fifteen to twenty pounds at maturity. A dark, mottled black in color with golden eyes and long beaks, some girl once said they were what happened if a Mast Cat learned how to fly. Their dark coloration makes for excellent camouflage at their home in the older growth mountain forests.

Behavior, Physiology, Diet

Nighthawks are often mistaken for large crows from a distance, and they are extremely intelligent and adaptable. Efficient predators who primarily eat small birds, they have been even known to occasionally hunt Yuriban Game Hens when they can catch a straggler away from the flock. They prefer to eat smaller animals native to the island, but also are known to occasionally consume fruit and berries.

Primarily coming out at dusk and in the evening in their mountain forest home, they make large nests in protected alcoves in trees. They have small broods and take roughly two to three years to reach full maturity. Nighthawks primarily take territory for themselves and hunting zones, and only congregate when mating. They often mate during the first full moon of the spring, visible in their swooping displays and heard calling to each other in the night. The birds trained in falconry are most often taken from the nest as hatchlings or an egg is stolen before hatching as they are fast learners and avoid most humanoids once able to fly. They are noted for their ability to anticipate their trainers as well as to perform tricks, and almost having a sarcastic sense of humor.

Nighthawks tend to fly around the forest or open areas when hunting, waiting for prey to show itself and then diving in on it. The hawks dark coloration makes them extremely difficult to see, and their eyes give them excellent vision, particularly in the dark. They have been known even to fish from some of the shallower ponders and streams on the island. Territorial, particularly when feeding, they tend to withdraw when faced by some of the larger predators of the island such as harvest bears. While they are known to catch larger game they prefer to take smaller animals that they can take to an elevated perch to devour at their leisure.

Folklore and Associations

The Nighthawk's dark coloration and bright eyes, along with it's tendency to be most vocal on moonlit nights and it's avoidance of humanoids, has earned it an association with the Goddess Tsuki. It's considered unlucky to find a fallen feather on the house, and those who live within the mountain forests will often place a few enchanted glowing quartz stones at the peak of the house to discourage the hawk from coming near the home. They are otherwise left alone, and leave the islands inhabitants alone just as much.