Surf Chasers

Surf Chasers are a form of sandpiper. They dwell primarily on Maboroshi and on the eastern beaches of the main island, though they occasionally venture towards other beaches. These birds are smallish, with little bodies covered in glossy, pale-brown feathers; the breast is flecked with black feathers and is paler than the rest of the body, while two black bars stripe across the tail, one across the shoulder of each wing, and one more about the collar. Their legs are long and pink-orange in colour, matching the long, narrow bill.

Surf Chasers take their name from their habit of chasing the tides as they recede, digging through the damp sand in search of any food or interesting treasures washed up by the waves, and finally running back towards dry ground when the tide moves in again. It is a common sight on Maboroshi to see a number of these little creatures sprinting along the beaches. When seeking a mate, Surf Chasers will deviate from chasing the waves and instead chase each other. A Chaser seeking a mate will approach a potential partner and pluck up a bit of the other's food in her bill, then sprint away. If the partner is interested she will give chase; if not she will chase the surf. A chase between lovers ends when the pursuing Surf Chaser catches the other, at which point the two Surf Chasers are considered mated.