Proberds

Proberds (genus ictusrostro) are a genus of woodpecker closely related to Pooeweehuchuu. While Pooeweehuchuu still remain in the mountains in the Ariducene, some have migrated to the lowlands and adapted to the Cactree forests. Even though the mountains are nearby, Proberds are near unrecognizable compared to their cousins.

Biology

Proberds measure in at 10 inches tall. Their wingspan measures in at 18 inches long. Their plumage is a sandy brown, black, and gray with a muted red crest. 

Proberds diets consist of honey, sap, small insects, and cactus juices. In order to eat and suck up fluids, they have a long, needle-like beak. Coupled with their long beak is a long tongue that extends far back into the skull, similar to modern-day woodpeckers. 

Their wings are small compared to their body size and have an elliptical shape. This is so that they can navigate the cactree forests without getting hurt, resist the winds that could knock them into cacti, and more importantly, give them the ability to hover. Their high metabolic rate, wings, and small size allows them to hover for a short period of time, similar to how Kingfishers do today. Proberds hover in order to pick out cactus spines, which gives them access to a spot to cling to while drinking water or fruit juice out of a cactus.

Behavior

Despite being able to fly, Proberds choose not to most of the time. Instead, they mostly hop along the ground and save their energy for when they need to feed or escape. They also fly to reach their nests, which are high up in the canopy. 

Their nests are made by a male when he creates holes inside of a cactree and hollows out a chamber on the inside. The nest is composed of feathers and hair that got caught on cacti as well as cactus spines. In order to court the female, he will use the tried and true method of making as much noise as he possibly can. After mating, the female will lay about five eggs and both parents will work together to care for and raise them.