Pillbirds

The Pillbirds (Evellapteryx) are a genus containing six species, all of which are the progeny of Apteryx proborostris, a generalistic insectivore native to Early Muricene Abeli and Loxodia. They've since spread Panapterra-wide, cementing themselves as the most common isopod-eaters on the planet. They are mostly small-bodied; the largest among them is only three kilograms in mass, while the majority of species have significantly reduced in size from their kiwi ancestors. Pillbirds are generally most effective at hunting colonial woodlice; tougher solitary forms are often too strong for their thin beaks to crack.

The Wooly Pillbird (E. cryophilus) lives on Ailuropian mountaintops, though a smaller population has recently migrated to the growing tundra regions further north. Its feathers are thick, keeping the animal warm through the harsh alpine nights. Woolly pillbirds can survive temperatures down to 25 below freezing, though their prey is rarely found at such extremes, so they most often stick to the foothills except in times of desperation. This is the smallest member of the genus, weighing in at 40-60 grams on average. They have a shorter bill and smaller feet than other pillbirds, a trait that helps them conserve warmth. While they possess a regular-looking coat of brown feathers during the summer, this is replaced with a white winter coat just before the first snow, allowing them to hide from predators and prey alike. Both sexes take turns incubating the egg, as it can't be left unattended for even a minute in the cold.

The Twigflip (E. vimenvertus), on the other hand, can be found patrolling in the shadows of dense temperate and tropical pseudoforests, where it uses its upturned beak to shove aside branches, rocks, and other debris to find the woodlice hiding underneath. It is even known to overturn river rocks in order to pick off subfluvial isopods as they swim away. When threatened, it will attempt to hide in rat-briars, but is also capable of climbing pseudotrees if necessary. Its feeding strategy allows it to subsist on solitary woodlice during tough times, though it still prefers to seek out colonies when it's able.

On the sandy beaches of Loxodia, the Pillplove (E. littoralis) drags its long, needle-like bill through the substrate, hoping to find pill bugs hidden below the surface. Its toes are rough and calloused in response to the blistering heat of the sand, though it can sometimes find respite in the surf as waves gently roll in. It must be cautious, though; while it's large for a pillbird, it is still small enough to be on the menu for certain fish, not to mention the risk of drowning in deeper waters. To avoid these dangers, it raises its young further inland, during which time the male relies on his mate to bring him food from the shoreline.

Traveling still further from the sea, savannas and temperate grasslands are home to the Maned Pillbird (E. iubis), a Plague-eating variety known for its evasive acrobatics. The Plague is not an easy species to feed on; a swarm can easily overpower a bird this size if it isn't vigilant. If a maned pillbird begins to feel threatened, it will attempt to flee, jumping up to four times its body length to escape the isopods. Once out of reach, it's common for dozens of plague woodlice to still be clinging to its bill and legs. It sweeps them off with its "mane" (actually a ruff of feathers on its breast and shoulders), shakes itself clean, and returns to feeding. The mane, along with a similar plume on its tail, is an important part of this species's mating displays, during which females judge males on the condition of these tufts, preferring those with larger manes.

The Great Pillbird (E. dendrevellor) towers above its congenerics, reaching a shoulder height of over 40 centimeters tall. Its bill is long, straight, and narrow, and its neck and legs are equally elongated. These adaptations are necessary for the great pillbird's lifestyle, which revolves around raiding small palm-grasses for their arboreal isopods. By standing far away from the pseudotree and straining to reach the canopy, it can avoid direct contact with well-armored defenders like staghorns, feeding freely on sheriffs and other small species. This behavior is what led to the Mycad evolving its droopy leaves, as this allows its defenders to more easily retaliate against the pillbirds as they feed.