Magnificent Plumespinus
Ancestor: S. spinaspinus, which it evolved from as an attempt to exploit freshwater resources. It has moved to Zone F, not unlike another descendant of S. spinaspinus, though they do seem to be encroaching upon zone 16..
They’ve become smaller, around 4.5 feet, and much lighter, likely to help facilitate easier movement between bodies of freshwater. They’ve also developed a small keratinous crest in between their nostrils and eyes. Perhaps the most notable change is the breeding plumage in males, as their crest and throat sack grow, the spots along their sides become larger, most of their larger feathers gain a blue tinge, the stripe running along their back turns a dull blue, and they gain markings around their eyes and on their snout. The inflatable hump is not as prominent, and buoyancy aside, is used in display.
They live near freshwater and estuarine environments in zone F, preying upon T. gigabetas, young P. flotensis, V. aborealis, using bursts of speed to overwhelm faster prey with their forelimbs and jaws. In turn, they are preyed upon by S. spinagatorus, groups of V. eggus, groups of V. aquacanthus, and A. sarafacornis.
Come breeding season towards the end of Oefsy’s summer, the males begin to take on the vibrant plumage that earned them their name. The females set up territories near the water, while the males being displaying near them in hopes of getting a female’s attention, and occasionally fighting via wrestling and headbutting. Their reproductive habits are not unlike their ancestor, as they usually mate for life, lay up 5-9 eggs (with only around 4 surviving to adulthood), and nurse their young together until they become adolescents. They can relocate nests if needed, and will mourn their mate should they die, even to the same extreme as their ancestor.
