Department Of Defensive Operations (DODO) File.
Wildlife of the Snugglay Islands
0003: Rokchik
Phylum: Chordata
Habitat
Rokchik is found only on the Hebridean islands of Great and Little Snugglay. The birds live in colonies in the numerous caves which pepper the islands' chalk and quartz cliffs
Characteristics
Rokchik is distinguished by calcium carbonate rocks at the ends of its feathers. Sodium Carbonate and Calcium Chloride, secreted separately from ducts co-localized in the skin, react to form the Calcium Carbonate "rocks" which remain anchored to the ducts:
Rokchik is found only on the Hebridean islands of Great and Little Snugglay. The birds live in colonies in the numerous caves which pepper the islands' chalk and quartz cliffs
Characteristics
Rokchik is distinguished by calcium carbonate rocks at the ends of its feathers. Sodium Carbonate and Calcium Chloride, secreted separately from ducts co-localized in the skin, react to form the Calcium Carbonate "rocks" which remain anchored to the ducts:
Na2CO3 + CaCL2 = 2NaCl + CaCO3
Adult birds are typically gray and white, with blue, green, yellow and pink markings, which reflect the veins of quartz in the cliffs and assist with camouflage. When full grown, the birds are approximately 18 inches long with fat, curved, blue beaks and large blue feet with 3 long front toes and one short back one.
Diet
Mainly fish, as well as shore-living insects, crustaceans, berries and grubs.
Behavior
When fully rock-encrusted, the Rokchik is flightless, though agile, preferring to waddle around the shoreline, snacking. In water, the birds are strong swimmers and proficient divers; the large fat beak is an excellent fish catcher.
Rokchik is not aggressive, however, if attacked, and especially when babies are threatened, the birds are formidable opponents, using the rock-heavy wings to "whomp" would-be predators to devastating effect, whilst simultaneously jabbing with the curved, razor-sharp beak. Rokchiks live and fight communally, and will fiercely defend their brethren, as well as their young. This community ethic, in addition to their daunting natural defences, makes Rokchik colonies very secure. In extreme situations, they are able to release the rocks from their feathers, and may beat the wings vigorously, creating a "rock storm". Post rock-release, the lightened Rokchik can exercise the power of flight and make its escape while the aggressor reels in confusion, battered and blinded by dust. However, Rokchik will never abandon dependent young, and in tis situation will fight to the death.
Reproduction
Rokchiks mate for life and the female lays a single egg per year, in early March. The chicks hatch after one month's gestation, and are born fluffy, white, and devoid of rocks, which begin to appear after another month. The parents take turns guarding the nest and foraging for food. More than one Rockchik family may share a cave and childcare duties.
When rocks begin to grow, the chicks venture out from the caves, and can be seen waddling on shore in groups, under proud parental guidance. They reach maturity in late summer, and produce their own first eggs the following spring.
Status
Like all newly discovered creatures of the Snugglays, Rokchik is protected and removal of birds, chicks or eggs is strictly forbidden
Mainly fish, as well as shore-living insects, crustaceans, berries and grubs.
Behavior
When fully rock-encrusted, the Rokchik is flightless, though agile, preferring to waddle around the shoreline, snacking. In water, the birds are strong swimmers and proficient divers; the large fat beak is an excellent fish catcher.
Rokchik is not aggressive, however, if attacked, and especially when babies are threatened, the birds are formidable opponents, using the rock-heavy wings to "whomp" would-be predators to devastating effect, whilst simultaneously jabbing with the curved, razor-sharp beak. Rokchiks live and fight communally, and will fiercely defend their brethren, as well as their young. This community ethic, in addition to their daunting natural defences, makes Rokchik colonies very secure. In extreme situations, they are able to release the rocks from their feathers, and may beat the wings vigorously, creating a "rock storm". Post rock-release, the lightened Rokchik can exercise the power of flight and make its escape while the aggressor reels in confusion, battered and blinded by dust. However, Rokchik will never abandon dependent young, and in tis situation will fight to the death.
Reproduction
Rokchiks mate for life and the female lays a single egg per year, in early March. The chicks hatch after one month's gestation, and are born fluffy, white, and devoid of rocks, which begin to appear after another month. The parents take turns guarding the nest and foraging for food. More than one Rockchik family may share a cave and childcare duties.
When rocks begin to grow, the chicks venture out from the caves, and can be seen waddling on shore in groups, under proud parental guidance. They reach maturity in late summer, and produce their own first eggs the following spring.
Status
Like all newly discovered creatures of the Snugglays, Rokchik is protected and removal of birds, chicks or eggs is strictly forbidden
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