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Appearance[]
Speargulls are seabirds, resembling a mix of real life Gannets and Skuas with the diving talents of the former, they are often seen in large flocks following shoals of small fish or boats, fishing vessels in particular as they hope to get any scraps thrown from the deck. Their heads more closely resembles gannets with the yellow neck and defined beak with some additional serrations along the top and bottom, Their bodies more closely resemble Skuas being much bulkier with alternating brown and white plumage.
Behaviour[]
Speargulls will fly all over in large flocks, following shoals of fish and diving down in large groups to catch them in a frenzy, this behaviour has made them common in ports where they will linger around fishing vessels waiting for scraps, Hunters can use this behaviour to their advantage. If there are Speargulls around a hunter can use a Baitshrimp (Used for its pungent odour and large size) to create a frenzy of activity from the birds, their sharp bills causing significant damage and even staggering much larger creatures.
Like many seabirds they nest in large groups on cliffs and small offshore islands. There is a small colony of relatively tame birds on the lighthouse tower in Minado Village and if you are careful you might get a glimpse of the hatchlings when climbing the tower.
Ecology[]
Ecological Niche[]
Speargulls are specialists in diving for large shoals of fish, moving in groups to improve their chances, they prefer small fish but their serrated beaks allow them to tear apart larger fish and even occasionally monsters such as Kaigara or Ludroth.
Habitat Range[]
A number of species of Speargulls can be found throughout the northern parts of the world, in polar and temperate seaways. The Northern Speargull is most common, found throughout the north with some venturing as far as Pokke Village, The Little Speargull is smaller with less brown on the body, these are found around the White Cliffs in large colonies and have been seen following hunters below the water and will even dive for a Baitshrimp below the waves. A third variant, The Tree Speargull, exists on Ancestor Isle, it has a darker almost black body with stripes down the tail, these are notable for venturing very far inland where they will go after the abundant insect hives, stirring the insects out then swarming on them.
Another more distinct variant is the Jade Speargull which only can be found in the Glittering Caverns, it is distinct enough to have its own page as it behaves very differently.
Biological Adaptations[]
The Speargull is adapted for the cold open sea, and in particular will dive from great heights, this puts a lot of strain on them so they have air sacs in their front half to cushion the dive and are as streamlined as possible to reduce impact area. These birds are also very hardy, able to sit through fierce winter storms and nest on sheer cliffs. The symbol of Minado Village is a Speargull, symbolic of this shared hardiness against the danger of powerful northern seas.
Notes[]
- Rewards 50 points on capture.
- Speargulls can only be used by hunters if they are in the area, if a Baitshrimp is thrown in an area without them it wont do anything (except make a nasty stain).
- Gannets are one of Kweazles favourite birds which inspired this endemic life.
- The mechanic works kind of like Spearsquid from Sunbreak but can be taken to more varied areas as they arent directly tied to water.