Jubjub

A species native to Balaho, the Jubjub is one of the few avian species to survive the pre-Activation cataclysm that struck the planet, devastating its biosphere. A common sight, especially near the warmer parts of Balaho, the Jubjub is nevertheless in decline, a result of predation by the introduced Rath’s of Doisac.

The Jubjub is renowned within Unggoy folklore as a symbol of passion, and their feathers are prized as Unggoy aphrodisiacs and luck charms. Indeed, its brilliant plumage and spectacular aerial manoeuvres are quite impressive, though are actually an intricate courtship display. Males possess bright red plumage at the back of the head, while females possess a blue back-swept crest. For the most part, differences between the sexes is negligible, with neither displaying sexual dimorphism. Flocks do not appear to differentiate between genders, and usually lack a leader "alpha". Eggs are cared for by the flock, bringing food to the nest and teaching the chicks to fly at an early age. Flight is a neccessity for Jubjubs, given the harsh and inhospitable conditions of Balaho's surface.

The Jubjub's ideal climate is the temperate zones that surround natural magmatic and geothermal geysers, where they feed on fruits. Toward the fringes, Jubjubs become less specialised and more opportunistic, resorting to scavenging carcasses left by Snarks and Raths for sustenance. Flocks that make their territory near geysers tend to perform better, and outcompete fringe Jubjubs, though the two remain the same species.

Recently, the introduction of Rath's to the ecosystem has had a dramatic and devastating effect on Jubjub numbers. The opportunistic scavengers are able to locate Jubjub nests, gorging themselves on the eggs and young chicks. Despite spirit defences by the Jubjub flocks, a Rath will usually get what it wants. With the sudden drop in infant mortality, the population has begun to drop. Jubjubs remain common, but may disappear within fifty years.