Noktoa
(nock-TOE-uh)
The noktoa is native to the Saherimos / The Sacred Lands. Quite an elusive bird, rarely seen around human settlements, it is only rarely spotted freely in the wild. Often seen in the company of neelas, folklore suggests that noktoae are hidden from view by the neela's alleged ability to create illusions.
What little is known of the noktoa has been gathered in highly antiquated studies of wild populations, as well as rare examples of domesticated specimens. Noktoae are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk, the same time as the bugs and rodents that make up their primary food source, including wyllops. Prospective noktoa owners with wyllops already in the home are encouraged to use caution.
It is unknown if they mate for life, though it seems the father, and not the mother, does the majority of the child rearing; once the female lays her nest of 3-4 speckled, small eggs, she flies off, leaving the male in charge. They are extremely light, weighing around 3.5 lbs (1.58 kg), and stand only 23.6 inches (60 cm) high - though they do boost an impressive wingspan for their size, at around 4 feet (1.2 m). Although rarely spotted, a group of noktoae are known as a wisp - perhaps for their ability to vanish like a soft breeze in a moment's notice.
Noktoae are exceptionally intelligent and eager for positive reinforcement, and so are easily trainable. Boasting a broad vocal range, some noktoae are capable of mimicking speech and can be taught a small vocabulary of words. Most specimens especially excel in the art of falconry, either in organized agility competitions or as true hunting assistants.
[Search]