Jyatual

Jyatual are large carnivorous avians found throughout Akal'Daros.

Appearance
Jyatual are ranging between 4'9" and 5'3" in length, with a wingspan just over twice that. The head is supported by a neck of moderate length, allowing it to feed on carcasses close to the ground, and maintain a large overall field of vision despite forward-facing eyes. The bill is typical of a scavenger, being somewhat short with a slight hook. Two slitted nares are present at the base of the beak.

The feathering of is predominantly a dark brown, with a grey underbody and golden streaks being present down the back. Contrasting the otherwise lighter plumage are the black flight feathers of the wing. The bill is a dull silver.

In juveniles, the feathers are noticably downy and lighter than the adults.

Behaviour and Ecology
Jyatual live permenantly paired, nesting in the numerous high crags above the marsh. Such a position allows for a minimally exertive takeoff, allowing them to spend longer searching for food. Pairs will often sleep nestled together and with unfledged young.

While territorial against other species, they are tolerant of their own, with each crag housing up to several dosen different pairs. Jyatul will engage in communal grooming within their crag. Despite being rarely preyed upon, this communal instinct is a defence often used to deal with nuisance Kyrlings. The pairs will work in tandem to shatter and disable a Choen or small shieldtail before it poses a threat.

Diet
Jyatual use the hostile environment of Akal'Daros to thrive, feeding off of the carcasses of animals that have fallen prey to predators or Kyrlings. Rotting or azalium-laced carrion is still a viable meal, and even the latter appears to cause no ill effect.

Although a primarily scavenger, it will prey upon smaller avians and mammals when available. A common prey item is the wandering female Iaskajul.

Breeding
Pairs mate during early Yesöña, with the eggs laid later in the season. Hatchlings emerge in early Chápolös, and are fed three times daily. Their diet at first consists of regurgitated carrion, and later of scraps of meat brought back by the male until they are ready to fledge. The female remains with the eggs and hatchlings throughout, feeding during the night while the male is resting.

Fledgelings always move in search of another crag, never staying within the same community as their parents.