The new rise of ovoviraptors

Ovoviraptors are undoubtedly fortunate predators. After nearly facing extinction when their native island merged with the continent, they endured another devastating blow at the end of the Biancocene, leaving only one surviving species, the banchisaraptor. Their dietary plasticity and the ability to retain eggs internally were likely among the key (pre)adaptations that allowed them to survive through these catastrophic events. With rising temperatures and the subsequent diversification of Antarctic habitats, their radiation was rapid and impressive. Today, the continent is home to over ten ovoviraptor species, varying in size from that of a large peacock to a small ostrich. Unlike wonderlonts, which are limited to the role of mesocarnivores, ovoviraptors occupy also the apex predator niche in most of their environments. The only real threat to the larger species comes from the formidable borax, whose bulk and strong build make them difficult to confront.

Current ovoviraptors are not heavy-bodied but are built for speed and agility, traits that have led to their greater diversity in open landscapes such as those found in the Great Depresseaon. In these areas, four different species of various sizes coexist, including the agile ovoviraptor (Longiraptor mesocarnivorus). This species has evolved a long beak, functioning like a hammer to kill small, quick prey. Weighing no more than 20 kilograms, they are capable of reaching speeds up to 60 km/h. Unique among ovoviraptors, agile ovoviraptors are adapted for rapid changes in direction, thanks to their very mobile feet and modified hips, as well as a long feathered tail that aids in balance during high-speed pursuits. The ending part of tail's feathers are also more compact and dense, which make them heavier.
They are solitary animals that become social only during a brief mating season lasting just two weeks. After a month of internal incubation, females give birth to precocial chicks that are able to follow their mother within a day. At five months old, the young are driven away to begin their independent lives. At that age, they are about half their maximum size.

At the opposite end of the behavioral spectrum is another ovoviraptor species from the Great Depresseaon: the owheelraptor (Pulchriraptor depresseaonii). While it has retained the short, powerful beak of its ancestor, used to tear large chunks of flesh from prey, it has changed significantly in terms of size and ecology. Now weighing over ten times more than its Biancocenic predecessor, the owheelraptor has assumed the role of top predator in the open plains, where the scarcity of vegetation limits the presence and success of ambush predators like borax. These large ovoviraptors specialize in pursuing prey such as stottmice and juvenile groundlifters over long distances. Though they lack agility, their stamina allows them to chase for up to an hour, easily outlasting prey species that rarely endure more than thirty minutes. Their eyesight is excellent, but their poor sense of smell do not allow them to track prey by smelling traces. They can however use sometimes foot tracks in order to localized  hidden prey in tall grasses or shrublands.

Owheelraptors live in "separate" harems, with a single dominant male mating with up to five females within his territory. Despite hunting solitarily, comunication between the harem group is maintained daily and male often share their meal with his females.
During the breeding season, males perform elaborate mating dances, showcasing their broad, fan-like tail feathers, similar to a turkey or peacock display. While both sexes possess this feather fan for communication, it is more developed in males for courtship purposes.
In regions where borax are more active, owheelraptors face the risk of kleptoparasitism. To avoid these confrontations, they typically hunt in the hotter afternoon hours, when borax are less active. Thanks to their avian respiratory systems and lighter plumage (or even absent, in the case of their naked head), owheelraptors tolerate heat better than an average mammal and remain active during times when their main competitors must retreat. However, in regions where borax are scarce, owheelraptors prefer hunting in the early morning, when temperatures are cooler.

Despite the challenges, ovoviraptors have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, managing to reestablish themselves as key players at the top of the Antarctic food chain. It was tough, but now it's all downhill. The important thing is not to stumble...