#Small Goshawk

[heracliteanfire]

Watercolour of feathers from Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu. Margaret B. L. Cockburn, ca. 1860.

via the Natural History Museum

[palewolfcheesecake-blog]

Animals I Associate the 2024 Grid With For No Reason Other Than Vibes

Edit: I added pics at the request of @raizelchrysanderoctavius

(this is gonna be mostly dog breeds bc a lot of them are really dog coded)

Max Verstappen - Greyhound

Sergio (Checo) Perez - English Cocker Spaniel

Charles Leclerc - Shetland sheep (specifically, a lamb)

Carlos Sainz - Australian Shepherd

Lando Norris - Capybara

Oscar Piastri - Guinea pig

George Russell - Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Fernando Alonso - Persian cat

Lewis Hamilton - White tailed deer

Lance Stroll - Munchkin cat

Yuki Tsunoda - Pomeranian

Ollie Bearman - Labrador Retriever (chocolate)

Nico Hulkenberg - American Bully

Kevin Magnussen - American Robin

Alexander Albon - Saw-billed hermit

Esteban Ocon - Siamese cat

Zhou Guanyu - Ragamuffin

Daniel Ricciardo - Eurasian/Northern goshawk

Pierre Gasly - California Valley coyote

Valtteri Bottas - Polar bear

Logan Sargeant - Basenji

(bonuses (drivers not on the grid) under the cut)

Sebastian Vettel - Brittany Spaniel

Kimi Raikkonen - Cane Corso

Mick Schumacher - Golden Retriever

Michael Schumacher - Eurasian wolf

Mika Hakkinen - Samoyed

Nico Rosberg - Standard Poodle

Jenson Button - Labrador Retriever (golden)

Mark Webber - Dingo

Ayrton Senna - Gyrfalcon

Alain Prost - Gray fox (reached to picture limit with Senna, so I'll just be sending links from now on)

Nigel Mansell - English Bulldog

Niki Lauda - Shiba Inu

James Hunt - Shih Tzu

Jackie Stewart - Rottweiler

Jim Clark - Deer mouse

Juan Manuel Fangio - Spotted hyena

[oh-how-i-love-my-fandoms]

Just caught up on The White Vault Goshawk. The fandom is small on tumblr but I’m here to talk about it!

Lemme start by saying damn, the misfortune suffered by the characters this season was rougher to listen to than all the others. So I’m really glad we had the comic relief of Lewis. Idk if he was supposed to be comic relief, but something about a kidnapper being surprised that his victims don’t actually give a shit about his physical wellbeing is hilarious to me. Bruh.

[hurrraaid]

Thoughts on hawks?

I have so many thoughts on hawks. What kinda hawks? Love goshawks! They’re incredible hunting machines and so doofy looking. They can be a bit difficult to build up a relationship to start with but so loyal once you get on their good sides.

Sparrow hawks are amazing but also so small and fragile. All my experience is of people bringing me concussed wild ones (I’m not a vet so I have no idea why they bring them to me!!!!)

Not a lot of experience with the other true hawks (genus accipiter) but people quite often will say hawk and mean things like red tailed hawks etc which are actually buzzards (genus buteo). Less fond of them because they’re so lazy and difficult and motivate but still very beautiful and powerful raptors!

Here’s my handsome goshawk, Tart.

[pleistocene-pride]

The western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), also known as the Eurasian capercaillie, wood grouse, heather cock, cock-of-the-woods, or simply capercaillie is a species in the grouse family which is endemic to the taiga and boreal forest of Northern Eurasia, from Scotland in the west to Russia in the east. They are typically diurnal ground dwelling birds which while capable of flight, are fairly clumsy in the air due to there short rounded wings. While taking off they produce a sudden thundering noise that deters predators. At night they rest in the horizontal branches of tree stands or within thick ground cover such as bushes and sedges, emerging during the day to feed upon seeds, buds, leaves, berries, insects, grasses, and conifer needles. Capercaillies are themselves eaten by wolves, lynx, foxes, eagles, martens, bears, boar, goshawks, and owls. With females reaching around 21- 25 inches (54- 64 cms) long & 3.5 to 5.8lbs (1.5 to 2.5kg) in weight while the male can reach 29 to 40 inches (74 -100cms) long and 9lbs to upwards of 15lbs (4 to 7kg) in weight, the western capercaillie is one of the most size sexually dimorphic living bird species, only exceeded by the larger types of bustards and a select few members of the pheasant family. The females upper parts are brown with black and silver barring; on the underside they are more light and buffish yellow. While the males are dark grey to dark brown, with the breast feathers being dark metallic green. The belly and undertail coverts vary from black to white. Both sexes have a white spot on the wing bow. They have feathered legs, and their toe rows of small, elongated horn tacks provide a snowshoe effect enabling them to traverse thick snow with ease. The breeding season begins in March or April and lasts until May or June. Three-quarters of this long courting season is mere territorial competition between neighboring cocks or cocks on the same courting ground. Towards the end of the courting season the hens arrive on the courting grounds, at which time the dominate cock or cocks flies to an open space nearby and continuously displays. If impressed one or more hens will approach and be mounted. Females will lay 3 to 12 eggs over a 10 day period, which she will incubate for 26 -28 days until hatching. The young will remain with there mother for around 3 months, Under ideal conditions a western capercaillie may live upwards of 18 years.

[fantasy-anatomy-analyst]

Continuing anon! Lets say I've got a medium sized dragon that hunts from the trees like a goshawk or leopard, primarily catching ground prey with the kind of maneuverability one needs when diving through trees. How would you simplify leafy shadow mottling/spotting for something like animation or a cartoon? I know how to paint the pattern fully but for the life of me can't figure out how to keep the overall feel shape camo n all that without having to spend all my time on coloring.

there are a few options for simplifying complex patterns for the sake of animation!

(image description: multiple flat colored images of a small wyvern with a brown, green, and cream color scheme. in the first image, it's given a dappled pattern with the overlay of a grid keeping the dapple spots aligned on the body and wings. in the second image, it's given stripes on the same grid. in the third image, key body parts are highlighted with colored splotches centered on those parts while smaller spots surround them. end description.)

you can of course combine these ideas! simplify it in a way that's easy for you to remember. keeping a character sheet that shows how the patterns wrap around the body at different angles will allow you to maintain consistency.

[birdstudies]

April 20, 2023 - Gabar Goshawk (Micronisus gabar) Found in much of sub-Saharan Africa, these goshawks live in savannas and other open woodlands, frequently near water. Often hunting in pairs, they mostly eat small birds, as well as some reptiles, mammals, and insects. They build small nests from sticks, clumps of earth, spiderwebs, twigs, rootlets, paper, grasses, and other materials in trees. They often bring colonial spiderwebs to their nests containing live spiders which build their webs over the nests, possibly aiding in camouflage. Females do most of the nest construction and probably all of the incubation while males bring food to them.

[tewwor]

special single interaction call for the newest marked babe! like and i'll get a small starter and/or send an ask memes :')

𝙶𝙾𝚂𝙷𝙰𝚆𝙺 .

𝙺𝙽𝙾𝚆𝙽 𝙽𝙰𝙼𝙴: Iza Byrne

𝙱𝙸𝚁𝚃𝙷 𝙽𝙰𝙼𝙴: Eda Gallagher

𝙲𝙰𝚄𝚂𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝙳𝙴𝙰𝚃𝙷:  Homicide–suicide

𝙰𝙱𝙸𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: Acidity manipulation

𝙿𝙾𝚂𝙸𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽: Cleaner

𝙾𝙲𝙲𝚄𝙿𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽: TBA something white collar for sure

𝙼𝙸𝚂𝙲. 𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: There's something tragic about Goshawk in the seams of her being. Yet the aloof behavior and quick to spark annoyance does well to hide it. Not a day goes by where a single thing’s out of place. She dresses smart and sharp. Understands that appearances are a reflection of one’s self. While her morals may be skewed, she’s no slob. She stands straight and proper, oftentimes has a commanding air about her. Very much the type that completely lacks a maternal drive and understanding, but sometimes she tries in her own way. Usually by throwing money at the issue until it goes away.

[bonefall]

Oooo now you’re really getting me into Clanmew. What are the names for birds and bird species in Clanmew?

The simple word for "Bird" evolved from Old Tribemew, at the Dawn of the Clans. A "Bird" is any two-winged flying animal with bones.

Bird (and bats) = Hafefyl

The major types of birds that the Clan cats recognize are as follows;

Raptor = Yassga A large, dangerous bird. Any avian perceived to pose a threat is in this category, including swans, ravens, and herons. Not just birds of prey.

Fowl = Eyawoon Large prey birds, the same level of danger as any other large quarry. Ducks, pheasants, gulls, cormorants, a chicken or peacock would also be in this category.

Game = Biyaw These are the birds that are eaten regularly, without much other consideration. It's where most of the 'odd' birds that don't fit other categories go. Pigeons, sparrows, quails.

Fancy = Pyrrya Any bird that would be a shameful thing to kill. That usually means songbirds with pleasing songs, but also colorful ones with pleasing patterns and behaviors, and even bats as they bring sickness when eaten.

Examples of "Yassga";

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) = Nyieu A species only encountered in the Tribe mountain, before re-contact it was considered a legendary animal. The most dangerous flying species, capable of attacking small deer.

Sparrow Hawk (Accipiter nisus) = Yi'i When hawks are being noted for their speed, it's this species. They primarily hunt other birds, but not cats.

Red Kite (Milvus milvus) = Eeao This is the species that is both large and bold enough to take kittens. The vast majority of the time when hawks are mentioned in a dangerous context, it is a kite. Goshawks are not as numerous in this area as canon implies.

Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) = Ipip Acrobatic, agile bird able to seemingly 'hover' in the air.

Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) = Yeepi Skilled attentive hunters that tend to hunt small mammals in open areas, especially wetlands. RiverClan and ShadowClan see these a lot.

Merlin (Falco columbarius) = Mweelili A small, generalist hunter that likes low-density areas like moorland, sparse woods, and brush. Known for being friendly with Harriers and eating just about anything.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) = Pyip Not actually a dangerous species; but the perception of danger will make Clan cats avoid this creature. Most commonly found by the sea.

Swan (Cygnus olor) = Hchom Large and quiet, these birds are so large they can drown a foolish warrior or break a bone.

Raven (Corvus corax) = Nyok A raven is considered a very dangerous bird not only for its size and ferocious beak, but because of how vengeful an unkindness can be. They remember Clan cats and seemingly mess with them on purpose.

Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea) = Krekek With their habit of spearing, bludgeoning, and even brutally drowning their prey, herons are feared and avoided. There are stories of herons picking off wayward kittens, but it's unknown if it's true or just a tale to stop them from wandering.

Eagle owl (Bubo bubo) = Huo The biggest, largest, most dangerous owl. Cats are a desired prey. No other owl will attack an adult warrior, and eagle owls are most often found in ThunderClan territory where there's thick forest and a nearby rocky cliff.

Tawny owl (Strix aluco) = Hrrua'u A loud, sonorous owl. Known best for being the species roosting in the old Owl Tree.

Barn owl (Tyto alba) = Weear This owl does not hoot, it screeches.

Examples of "Eyawoon";

Duck (Anas platyrhynchos) = Kwek There are several species of ducks they encounter occasionally-- but this one, the mallard duck, is the most common. ThunderClan liked to try and hunt them when they had Sunningrocks, sometimes inflaming tensions between clans.

Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) = Rauqa Named for the territorial cry of a male pheasant, the most impressive prize that a ThunderClan warrior can catch.

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) = Rewp Not just a seabird; found further in-land and will make do with just about any body of water. This is a species regularly found and hunted at Sanctuary Lake, and also the type that Gullswoop is named for.

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) = Eeyar The Clan cats haven't been doing salt patrols long enough yet to know that this is absolutely not an Eyawoon, but in fact, a Yassga. Sandwhich-stealing BASTARDS. They're the ones with the gray back, yellow beak, little red mark on the lip, and feral Grinch-looking eyes. If you live by the ocean you know. (There is another species that looks similar but Clan cats think they are the same animal)

Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) = Waer A large, black fishing bird that dives underwater to catch its prey. Revered by RiverClan.

Carrion crow (Corvus corone) = Rawk This is the species being referred to when "crowfood" is mentioned. Rawkwoo.

Magpie (Pica pica) = Ke'ek Glossy, beautiful blue, black, and white bird. Very intelligent and a difficult catch; like crows and ravens they are smart enough to have a concept of social learning.

Egret (Egretta garzetta) = Bwawa Though they have many of the same 'brutal' behaviors as herons, they're too small to cause damage and hence are sorted into 'eyawoon'

There is currently no word for Chicken but Ravenpaw is probably using the term Barley likes best. Except the rooster which he immediately named "Urkaroona."

Examples of "Biyaw";

Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) = Huwoohoo Big, fat, common, a popular meal bird.

Dove (Columba livia) = Hrru Funfact: In TPB, there is a moment where Fireheart scolds Cloudpaw for calling a pigeon a 'dove.' In English, pigeons and doves are synonyms, but in Clanmew, Cloudtail had killed a Huwoohoo, but called it a Hrru.

Sparrow (Passer domesticus and Passer montanus) = Qee Though there's a difference in plumage between these species, Clan cats think they are the same species because their songs are nearly identical. Passer montanus (Eurasian Tree Sparrow) is just considered what a sparrow looks like when it lives deep in the woods.

Quail (Coturnix coturnix) = Wipiwik A round little ground bird that's very fast.

Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula) = Miaw A black-and gray bird with a mewling call.

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) = Errari This bird has many songs, which is taken by Clan cats as intentionally trying to hide its true name. They may even be changing their appearances to look like a Mistle Thrush; clearly they're something much more intelligent, since they use stones to smash open snail shells.

Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) = Charrech Much larger than a Song Thrush. Brave, one of the few birds that sings even in terrible weather, but named for the angry sound it makes when it's guarding berry bushes in winter.

Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) = Apapach A very important winter prey bird which travels in large flocks. Bullied by Mistle Thrushes for good food sources.

Redwing (Turdus iliacus) = Eean Similar to a fieldfare, but smaller and usually in tinier groups. The call is very different, so these birds are not usually confused by Clan cats unless they're seen first. Apapach are the preferred prey of the two.

Blackbird (Turdus merula) = Oohee Males are blue-black with a yellow ring around the eye, and females are a ruddy dappled brown.

Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius) = Arkr Loud, aggressive medium-sized birds. Pale with blue wings.

Examples of "Pyrrya"

Bat (4 SPECIES) = Fip This refers to the sound of their wings mid-flight. No species of bat is consumed. If eaten they can bring horrible sickness, seen as a punishment for killing an holy night-loving animal with such a beautiful voice and great hunting skill. Clan cats are able to hear bat songs out of range of human hearing!

Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) = Popep A very small, common bat species that usually eats mosquitoes and midges in wet areas.

Soprano Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) = Ipi'ip Humans can barely tell the difference between these two, but Clan cats recognize that the song of a Soprano is much faster, higher-pitched, and absolutely sonorous. Considered the night version of a wren and held in high esteem.

Long-eared Brown Bat (Plecotus auritus) = Fepfr A very quiet, low-flying bat with a habit for doing some ground-hunting. This is usually the first bat that an apprentice sees instead of hears, and the one which is used to teach them to not hunt bats. It has a very modest song, which Clan cats explain as mourning for every bat accidentally killed and discarded. Rarely called the "Fip Hhass;" the Whisper Bat.

Noctule (Nyctalus noctula) = Shi'po The largest bat, has huge teeth and a broad face. Females both migrate and hibernate, but males stay awake all year and sing with a very distinctive tune hard to put into a word.

Songbird (SEVERAL SPECIES) = Pigu Note: Most songbirds are down here in this category, but some, like Song Thrushes, are only here conditionally. Usually if there's enough food to go around.

Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) = Pi'ie The song of this tiny bird is so fast and beautiful that Clan cats have a hard time putting it into words; these birds are not killed except by fiends and rogues.

Robin (Erithacus rubecula) = Birri This is a small, gray-and-brown bird with a bright orange face. They're not very filling, pretty, and sing a delightful song, so like the other species in this category they aren't taken unless there's a serious need.

Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) = Mweep Though large and delicious, these birds are so enjoyed that killing them is dishonorable without approval. They're the only bird that can fly away with its young, it dances and puts on air shows as mating rituals, and they're quite rare.

There are more species than this found in the area but this should be more than enough for now. Here's the most significant "bird" species they experience on a regular basis!

[delightingintragedy]

Sun Correspondences

From Christian Astrology by William Lilly

(It is mostly word for word. I tried to format it to fit into a nice correspondence list, but the information itself is untouched.)

Zodiac: Rules Leo. Detriment in Aquarius, Exalted in Aries, Fall in Libra.

Nature: Naturally Hot, Dry, but more temperate than Mars, is a Masculine, Diurnal Planet, Equivalent, if well dignified to a Fortune.

Profession: Kings, Princes, Emperors, & Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Barons, Lieutenants, Deputy-Lieutenants of Counties, Magistrates, Gentlemen in general, Courtiers, desirers of Honour and preferment, Justices of Peace, Majors, High-Sheriffs, High-Constables, great Huntsmen, Stewards of Noblemen's houses, the principal Magistrate of any City, Town, Castle or Country Village; yea, thought a petty Constable, where no better, or greater Officer is; Goldsmiths, Braziers, Pewterers, Coppersmiths, Minters of Money.

Sicknesses: Pimple in the Face, Palpitation or Trembling, or any Diseases of the Brain or Heart, Tympanies, Infirmities of the Eyes, Cramps, sudden swoonings, Diseases of the Mouth, and stinking Breaths, Catarrhs, rotten Fevers; principally in man he governs the Heart, the Brain and right Eye, and vital Spirit, in Women the left Eye.

Colours: Yellow, the colour of Gold, the Scarlet or clear Red, some say Purple.

Savours: A mixture of Sour and Sweet together, or the Aromatical flavour, being a little Bitter and Stiptical, but withal Confortative and a little sharp.

Herbs: Those Plants which are subject to the Sun do smell pleasantly, are of good savour, their Flowers are yellow or reddish, are in growth of Majestic form, they love open and Sunshine places, their principal Virtue is to strengthen the Heart, and comfort the Vitals, to clear the Eyesight, resist Poison, or to dissolve any Witchery, or Malignant Planetary Influences; and they are Saffron, the Laurel, the Pomecitron, the Vine, Enula Campana, Saint John's Wort, Amber, Musk, Ginger, Herbgrace, Balm, Marigold, Rosemary, Rosa solis, Cinnamon, Celandine, Eyebright, Peony, Barley, Cinquefoil, Spikenard, Lignum Aloes, Arsenic.

Trees: Ash tree, Palm, Laurel tree, the Myrrh tree, Frankincense, the Cane tree or plant, the Cedar, Heletrepion, the Orange and Lemon tree.

Beasts: The Lion, the Horse, the Ram, the Crocodile, the Bull, Goat, Nightworms or Glowworms.

Fishes: The Sea Calf or Sea Fox, the Crabfish, the Starfish.

Birds: The Eagle, the Cock, the Phoenix, Nightingale, Peacock, the Swan, the Buzzard, the fly Cantharis, the Goshawk.

Places: Houses, Courts of Princes, Palaces, Theatres, all magnificent Structures being clear and decent, Halls, Dining Rooms.

Minerals: Gold

Stones: The Hyacinth, Chrysolite, Adamant, Carbuncle, the Etites stone found in Eagle's nests, the Pantaure, if such a stone be the Ruby.

Weather: He produces weather according to the season; in the Spring gentle moistening Showers; in the Summer heat in extremity if with Mars; in Autumn mists; in Winter small Rain.

Winds: Eastern Winds

Element: Fire

Angel: Michael

Planetary Alliances: His Friends are all of the Planets except Saturn, who is his Enemy.

Week Day: Sunday

Correspondence posts for the other planets: [Moon] [Mercury] [Venus] [Mars] [Jupiter] [Saturn]

[a-libra-writes]

OH MY GOD REQS ARE OPEN THIS IS A GODDAMN MIRALCE OH MY GOD IM LIKE A SAILOR WHO HASNT BEEN ON LAMDNFOR YEARS AND IS KISSING THE GROUND AHHHHHHHH

anyways nathan’s i request some teenage angsty stannis hcs

-🐚🌌

Hello again seastar~~ <3 Alrighty I decided to do a drabble bc thats what popped into my head. It may not be as angsty as u were thinking but I just couldnt get the scene out of my head.......

She skipped up the stone steps two at a time, justifying to herself that since they were dry this time, it was safer. As soon as she blinked into the daylight, the smell of salt touched her nose and a gentle breeze tugged at her clothes. Shadows crossed the huge stone wall she stepped on - the seagulls, the clouds. She wished some of those clouds would give her some reprieve from this sunlight. The young lady squinted and shielded her eyes with a flat palm, looking for a certain person.

He would be the only person up on the walls of Storm's End, because there was no need for guards here. What would they do, scold the storms and winds away? The Drum did a fine job of keeping itself up.

Quickly, she spotted him, and ran across the washed out stone. It was more of a huge road than a proper wall. She was glad she kept her shoes on. The lady slowed when she came closer to Stannis, who certainly heard her approaching, but stayed hunched over.

This was the last place she went looking. He hadn't been up here in several years. She tried not to glance in the direction of where it happened - that specific collection of sharp rocks that may have looked like any others, but she and Stannis could identify them at once. Those rocks, jutting out from the sea like knives, were often in their dreams, after all.

She pulled her eyes away and sat beside her friend.

"Oh," The lady said. She just noticed Stannis had someone with him. A small someone, in a wooden cage. The little hawk turned its head at her. "You brought him?"

Stannis didn't respond right away. He was looking at the goshawk, not at the sea, or at her. The sound of waves crashing against the Drum and seagulls crying out surrounded them, and she let that not-quite-silence sit for a while. Eventually, she said, "I didn't think you were keeping him."

His blue eyes looked sharply to her, already on the defensive. She added, "I think it's a good thing. That is, I think he's fond of you."

"... Do you think so?" Stannis looked back at the bird. It did seem calm, even if it was contained. It kept turning its head and looking all around, especially at the gulls.

"Of course. You've been feeding him, haven't you? And he doesn't bite you." She held out her hand, where a dull red line was still on her finger.

To her delight, a small smile crossed his serious features. "I told you to not hand feed him."

"You were doing it."

"When he was weak. I don't anymore," Stannis reached his fingers into the wooden cage, and the bird stayed still, content to let its wings be touched. "He's too proud for it."

"What do you mean?"

Stannis removed his hand, and set the wooden cage on the ground. "He wants to eat on his own, now that he can." He opened the little hatch, and carefully set his gloved hand in. The goshawk considered it, then slowly stepped onto the thick leather, digging in his talons.

The lady drew her knees to her chest, watching with awe. "He's so gentle," She said quietly. "His wing is looking well, too."

It was still clearly injured - some feathers were missing and askew, but at least the bird could fold his wing properly and it wasn't hanging at such a pitiful angle. Stannis brought it to his chest, where it continued to stay on his hand, calmly observing the water.

She couldn't be still any longer. "Could I pet him? Touch him, I mean."

Stannis gave her a wary look. "Don't move suddenly."

"I won't," She said, but she still moved too quickly for the goshawk's taste. As she scooted closer to Stannis, up to his shoulder, the bird ruffled its feathers and made a noise of agitation. Stannis put a light touch on his back, and gently stroked him.

The lady tried to mimic that gentle touch, reaching out and softly brushing her fingertips against a brown speckled feather. The bird's eye glowered at her, and again he made that sound of annoyance. It was a warning.

She sighed and pulled her hand away. "See? He's only fond of you."

Stannis was smiling again, though it was muted. He gave a little shrug, and their shoulders bumped each other. While Stannis carefully perched the bird on his hand, she tilted her head and rested it against his shoulder. It had been a long time since they were up on the wall together.

She closed her eyes, enjoying the sounds of the waves and the warmth that pressed against her cheek. The sea breeze picked back up, giving some relief from the sun. She could almost fall asleep like this.

Almost, except the gulls were incessant. She gasped and startled, bumping against Stannis as a gull swooped down beside her head. The goshawk in his hands let out a cry of alarm and flapped its winds. Stannis winced and cursed as its talons dug into his gloved hand, ripping through them, and it leapt from his hand.

Both he and the lady shouted at once, reaching for the little goshawk as it tried to take flight. It only got a foot in the air, flapping wildly in a panic, before sailing down and landing with a little thud on the stone. It was still crying out and flapping when Stannis grabbed its body, getting several harsh pecks and scratches for his troubles. The lady retrieved the wooden cage and opened it, offering it with a frantic "Here!"

With a surprising carefulness, Stannis returned the hawk, even as it squawked and flapped one wing. The bad one only made it to a half flap, and then didn't at all once it was inside.

The latch was closed, and they both let out a breath. Her friend was trembling, she saw - not just his bleeding hands, but his whole body. He watched the bird squawk and bite at the wood in fright, its own body shaking.

"I shouldn't have - this isn't a safe place for him," Stannis said gruffly. "It only upsets him. I shouldn't have."

The lady could have pointed out it was the seagulls that startled the poor thing, especially since they were twice his size, but she didn't. It wasn't just the sad little goshawk that disliked being up here. So she nodded, and took his bare hand. It had several angry wounds crossing his pale skin. "I'll help you with this, too."

Stannis looked down as if he had just noticed them. He merely shrugged, shaking off her hand and taking the wooden cage. "He didn't mean it."

She stood up alongside him, and they walked back to the stairway, leaving the Drum's great walls behind. Once they were inside, the goshawk had settled, yet still looked this way and that with big, unsure eyes. The lady looked at the wounded hands that held the cage, and once they were in Stannis' room and the hawk was settled on his windowsill, she took one of them in her hands.

The leather that was torn so easily was carefully peeled off, and though Stannis winced, he didn't make a sound of pain or pull away. He seemed distant, if anything, even as she began to clean up the blood and the little cuts. They could still hear the gulls and the waves from his bedroom window, but those terrible rocks were far behind.

[harpagornis]

Tuwai Evolution Ecologies

Lots of “what if Pokemon were real animals” speculative essays, might as well do one for temtem.

Tuwai itself

Given its small size and long tail, I’m overall assuming an ecology similar to its real life inspiration, the toucans and the closely related barbets. Perhaps a bit more of a ground-foraging granivore given its more parrot-like beak and seeming lack of perching digits in its feet.

Tukai

With long wings adapted for soaring, a seabird-like ecology seems reasonable, even implied by the luma which seems like a mish-mash of seabird colourations. Given the lack of webbed feet I’m assuming its an aerial hawker like a frigatebird, which is further corroborated by the broad wings for thermal soaring and the slender beak in comparison to other Tukai evolutions. The tail seems aerodynamically useless, probably a display device.

Tulcan

Always got flamingo-like vibes, so a similar wading ecology makes sense. Has small, triangular wings, similar to those of flamingos, ducks, shorebirds and similar continuous flappers as well as long legs and torso and long gitis that even seem to be webbed, so a wading ecology makes sense. The beak seems rather conservatively toucan-like, so either it has internal lamellae like flamingos and ducks do to filter feed or just targets large food items in the water column or substrate.

Tuvine

Large, heavy built and with broad wings and tail, it seems ecologically analogous to a hoatzin. It has strong perching talons and a long tail, so it still has an at least partially arboreal ecology, yet it seems to be a poor flyer. Combined with the rather blunt beak, it seems very likely that it is a browsing herbivore, only retaining the ability to fly to move from tree to tree.

Turoc

Like Tuvine it seems to be a poor flyer, but with a shorter tail and wings, a sharper beak and less in the way of perching ability. I’m guessing it is a ground hornbill like terrestrial carnivore, pretty fitting for the Africa-inspired region. Probably the closest to losing flight altogether.

Tuwire

If it was a biological entity I’d say it looks like a continental soarer, having massive, broad wings. It is said to be heavy in canon but it looks pretty thin, almost like a stork. Combined with a vulture-like beak, it could be a scavenger, soaring for long distances in search of either carrion or small prey to stalk on the ground like a stork or azhdarchid pterosaur.

Tutsu

Flat out compared to a raptor in canon and I’m incline to mostly believe it, having a stout but sharp beak like a hawk or eagle’s and broad wings, not to mention an unique flight animation showing it to turn quickly on the wing. Yet, it seems to lack large talons and to have long legs. Maybe something akin to a goshawk, capable of chasing small prey in the air, or a generalist like a caracara. The tail seems to be aerodynamically useless, so it probably relies entirely on the wings for maneuvering.

[impulsivewcrewrite]

Allegiances

< Cover | ToC | Prologue >

(Original names are italicized in brackets after the cat's description.)

ThunderColony

Leader

Bloom (Morning Glory)- blue molly [Bluestar]

Deputy

Ruddy (Penny)- tortoiseshell tom with a distinct red tail (mentor of Raven) [Redtail]

Druid(s)

Scarlet (Penny)- tortoiseshell molly [Spottedleaf]

Elder(s)

Sparrow (Dusk)- big dark brown tabby tom [Halftail] (head elder)

Shrew (Fieldfare)- gray tom with small ears [Smallear]

Patches (Oreo)- black and white patched tom [Patchpelt]

Lily*- blind and deaf pale gray molly [One-eye]

Amanita (Strawberry)- tortoiseshell molly [Dappletail]

Warriors

Rose (Poppyseed)- tortoiseshell molly with a pink tinted tail [Rosetail]

Honeycomb (Maria)- magnificent golden tabby tom (mentor of Pebble) [Lionheart]

Basil (Cornflower)- cream tabby molly

Tiger (Hollow)- big dark brown tabby tom with unusually long front claws [Tigerclaw]

Snowstorm (Snow)- fluffy white tom (mentor of Sandy) [Whitestorm]

Willow (Nuthatch)- gray molly [Willowpelt]

Nightshade (Willow)- black tabby tom [Darkstripe]

Stag (Lily)- brown tabby tom [Runningwind]

Mouse (Lily)- brown tabby molly [Mousefur]

Hornet (Basil)- cream tabby tom [Longtail]

Queen(s)

Speckle (Rhubarb)- pale golden tabby molly (camp queen) [Speckletail]

Frost (Inkcap)- white molly (mother to Juniper, Thorn, Shine, and Bracken) [Frostfur, Cinderkit, Thornkit, Brightkit, and Brackenkit]

Goshawk (Hedgehog)- gray tabby molly [Brindleface]

Buttercup (Maria)- golden tabby molly [Goldenflower]

Apprentice(s)

Raven (Robin)- black and white tom [Ravenpaw]

Sandy (Maggy)- light yellow tabby molly [Sandpaw]

Pebbles (Willow)- gray tom [Graypaw]

ShadowColony

Leader

Shatter (Garlic)- dark brown tabby with kinked tail [Brokenstar]

Deputy

Shrike (Holly)- white tom with black paws (mentor of Wolf Spider) [Blackfoot]

Druid(s)

the Mog (Saffron)- large gray molly with yellow protruding fangs [Yellowfang]

Slug (Garlic)- gray and white tom [Runningnose]

Elder(s)

(None)

Warriors

Newt (Bindweed)- old short black-and-ginger tabby molly [Newtspeck] (head elder)

Foxglove (Trinity)- dark gray molly [Darkflower]

Comfort (Rat)- brown scarred tom (mentor of Tiny) [Clawface]

Tangle (Garlic)- light grayish brown tabby molly [Tangleburr]

Wise (Holly)- gray tom (mentor of Cowslip) [Flintfang]

Proper (Beverly)- gray speckled tom [Frogtail]

Amity (Beverly)- gray molly [Ashheart]

Noble (Patience)- brown tabby tom with a stumpy tail (mentor of Reason) [Stumpytail]

Humble (Patience)- thin gray tom [Cinderfur]

Grace*- brown molly [Applefur]

Ranger(s)

Noodle*- dark ginger molly [Russetfur]

Antler (Garlic)- brown tabby tom [Deerfoot]

Thyme (Storm)- tall brown tabby molly [Tallpoppy]

Prudence (Holly)- pale calico molly (mentor of Peace) [Fernshade]

Howl (Dart)- gray tom [Wolfstep]

Mercenaries

Forest (Katniss)- black and white molly (mentor of Yew)

Cobalt (Midnight)- gray scarred tom

Duke (Alice)- white tom with orange spots

Ram*- light brown tabby tom (brother of Lacy)

Lacy*- light brown tabby molly (sister of Ram)

Queen(s)

Saffron (Chanterelle)- black and white molly (camp queen) [Brightflower]

Parasol (Slush)- ginger tabby molly (mother to Love and Dignity) [Dawncloud, Blossomkit, and Swampkit]

Crystal*- brown molly (pregnant visitor)

Apprentice(s)

Reason (Newt)- large brown tom [Brownpaw]

Tiny (Newt)- short brown tabby tom [Littlepaw]

Cowslip (Foxglove)- gray tabby tom [Wetpaw]

Peace (Fang)- black and white tom [Whitepaw]

Yew (Shatter)- white molly [Snowpaw]

Wolf Spider (Shatter)- large dark brown tom [Ratpaw]

RiverColony

Leader

Storm (Rain)- brown tabby with a twisted jaw [Crookedstar]

Deputy

Oak (Rain)- handsome reddish brown tom [Oakheart]

Druid(s)

Mud (Heron)- speckled brown tom [Mudfur]

Elder(s)

Hemlock (Fen)- light gray molly [Lilystem] (head elder)

Pool (Flicker)- gray molly with yellow eyes [Graypool]

Warriors

Ripple (Coraline)- elderly silver tabby tom [Rippleclaw]

Creek (Otter)- pale brown tabby molly [Sedgecreek]

Whirligig (Mist)- black tom [Beetlenose]

Vole (Mist)- gray tom [Voleclaw]

Ember (Dawn)- ginger molly (mentor to Sprout) [Emberdawn]

Buck (Hemlock)- brown tabby tom [Heavystep]

Huckleberry (Shimmer)- black tom [Blackclaw]

Snapdragon (Starling)- speckled golden molly [Leopardfur]

Misty (Pool)- blue molly [Mistyfoot]

Stone (Pool)- thick blue tom (mentor to Petal) [Stonefur]

Skyler (Jana)- brown tabby molly [Skyheart]

Cliff (Paddle)- black tom with a white paw [Whiteclaw]

Ranger(s)

Cattail (Otter)- pale gray tabby tom (mentor to Aurora) [Reedtail]

Frog (Lake)- gray tom [Frogleap]

Mercenaries

Captain- dark gray tabby tom

Baja Blast (Minky)- black and white molly

Clover (Iris)- yellow tabby tom

Hound (Kiki)- light brown tabby molly

Queen(s)

Flow (Paddle)- brown tabby molly [Grasswhisker] (camp queen)

Otter (Ruby)- brown tabby molly [Ottersplash]

Arum (Brooke)- tortoiseshell molly [Mosspelt]

Apprentice(s)

Sprout (Hemlock)- brown tabby molly with green eyes [Greenflower]

Petal (Hemlock)- dark gray molly [Shadepelt]

Aurora (Watermint)- silver tabby molly [Silverstream]

WindColony

Leader

Magpie (Birdy)- tall black and white tom [Tallstar]

Deputy

Cricket (Ginger)- black tom with a twisted foot (mentor to Wren) [Deadfoot]

Druid(s)

Peat (Bracken)- brown tom with a short tail [Barkface]

Elders

Tranquil (Night)- black tom [Crowfur] (head elder)

Warriors

Raincloud (Jay)- light gray and white tom [Cloudrunner]

Gobble (Posy)- gray molly with green eyes (mentor to Butterfly) [Plumclaw]

Apple (Swing)- light pinkish cream molly [Appledawn]

Rocky (Dormouse)- brown tom [Stagleap]

Doe (Dormouse)- brown molly [Doespring]

Rye (Dormouse)- brown tabby molly (mentor to Rooster) [Ryestalk]

Pigeon (Ginger)- gray and white tom [Pigeonflight]

Aster (Boots)- light brown molly [Wrenflight]

Fly (Birdy)- white tom [Flytail]

Rabbitdown (Birdy)- brown molly [Rabbitear]

Gristle (Birdy)- black and white tom (mentor to Brook) [Bristlebark]

Egg (Trill)- ginger molly

Whisper (Rye)- gray speckled tom [Tornear]

Spruce (Rye)- brown speckled tom [Mudclaw]

Leo (Bailey)- ginger tabby tom (mentor to Chirp) [Brushpaw]

Noon (Gobble)- tortoiseshell molly [Thrushwing]

Marble (Gobble)- gray tom [Stoneclaw]

Queen(s)

Rosehip (Ginger)- brown tortoiseshell molly [Sorrelshine] (camp queen)

Chime (Sheep) - gray molly with longer fur around her paws (mother to Chatter, Glen, Eagle, and Daffodil) [Ashfoot, Eaglekit, Hillkit, and Downkit]

Tune (Raspberry)- light tortoiseshell molly [Morningflower]

Apprentice(s)

Brook (Gobble)- gray tabby molly [Runningpaw]

Chirp (Gobble)- gray molly [Robinpaw]

Wren (Aster)- brown tabby tom with noticeably long whiskers [Onepaw]

Butterfly (Rosehip)- white and tortoiseshell molly [Whitepaw]

Rooster (Rosehip)- gray tabby tom [Webpaw]

Outsiders

Elder's camp

Crabgrass (Woodruff)- old black tabby molly [Crowtail]

Night (Rat)- white flecked black tom with breathing issues [Nightfur]

Aspen (Trust)- young gray tom with mobility issues [Ashfur]

Holly (Damson)- dark gray and white molly [Hollyflower]

Dove (Gracious)- pale gray and white molly [Poolcloud]

Modesty (Ragwort)- old brown tabby molly [Featherstorm]

Arch (Zest)- gray tabby tom [Archeye]

Vole (Fang)- light brown tom [Volewhisper]

Kittypets

Rusty- red tom

Smudge- black and white tom

*an asterisk notes that this cat's mother is unknown

[cheapsweets]

The resolute Ilyecham

My response to this weeks Bestiary Posting challenge, from The Maniculum!

I've been vaguelly considering how to tackle this one all week (and trying to avoid seeing others' interpretations as much as possible). Again, we have a lot of behaviours, but nothing in terms of a physical description... Did the author just thing 'everyone knows what birds look like', was this just a bird that the reader was expected to be familiar with, or were they all like 'I'm not describing yet another bird... :p'?

It's a pen and ink drawing (dark sepia ink, and a sailor fude nib) over a pencil sketch; the fude nib is interesting as it's meant to give the impression of using a brush - the nib is bent to allow transition from thin to thick lines - I've got a lot of practice to go to get that transition right though (I'm tempted to try an actual brush pen for next week's challenge...)!

This time, I actually used some references! Well, I briefly glanced at some, anyhow... I feel like it has made a difference, particularly in terms of the anatomy (though there are several things I'd go back and change if I was doing this over), but I still need to work a bit more on consistency (and maybe not tackling any too-awkward perpectives...!). I had a lot of fun with this one :)

Reasoning below the cut...

"The Ilyecham is a bird armed rather with spirit than with claws, having great courage in its small body. [Etymology redacted]. For it greedily seizes other birds. [Etymology redacted.]" - So, carnivorous bird, emphasis away from it's claws... I had to double check this, but falcons kill prey with their beak (a sharply projecting 'tomial tooth' on their upper beak), whereas hawks use their claws. I tried to show this, but it's such a small details it might not be obvious. Did you know that falcons are more closely related to passerines (perching birds, like sparrows) than they are to hawks/eagles? I always find that absolutely mind-blowing :)

"It is said that the Ilyecham is lacking in parental care towards its young, for when it sees that they are able and trying to fly, it does not feed them but beats them with its wings, throws them from the nest and forces them from a tender age to catch prey for themselves lest, when they are fully grown, they should become lazy." - Hey, chalk up another one to that old adage 'birds are jerks'... I'm starting to think that bestiary authors were not the biggest birb fans... In the top right of the picture, we have a mama ilyecham pushing the baby out of the nest with her wing. Time to find your own way in the world, baby bird! I tried to distinguish the younger bird's plumage with a different pattern (spotted/dotted); the adult plumage was inspired by goshawks (I know, hawk vs falcon), more because it would show up as distinctive in black and white than any other reason.

As an aside, I really struggled with how to draw a slightly stylised bird nest!

"It takes care lest in their childhood they grow idle, or are given up to pleasure, or grow weak from inactivity, or learn to expect food rather than to seek it for themselves, or abandon their natural vigour. Ilyechams stop bothering to feed their young in order to make them bold enough to seize food for themselves." - Hang on, this is going to be some kind of inspirational virtuous animal thing, isn't is... :p I can imagine some medieval scribe writing 'and so, the ilyecham represents the cardinal virtue of fortitude' or something...

"It is the custom of Ilyechams in the wild to spread their wings when the south wind blows, so that their limbs are warmed by the wind to release their old feathers. When there is no wind, they create a breeze by spreading their wings to face the rays of the sun and beating them; and thus, as the pores of their body open, either their old plumage falls out, or new feathers grow in." - In the top left, we have an ilyecham spreading its wings, facing towards the sun, and doing just that! The feathers blowing away were fun to draw!

[warriors-rewritten-chaos]

Warrior Cats Prefixes List- G

I had a WC Name Generator on Perchance that I made but I don't seem to have access anymore, so I'm remaking it here as just a simple list. The definitions used are the ones that Clan cats have for those things, and thus are the origins of the names. Definitions used are whatever I found when I googled it.

Gale-: "[noun] a very strong wind"

Galerina-: "[noun] a species of extremely poisonous mushroom-forming fungus in the family Hymenogastraceae of the order Agaricales"

Gannet-: "[noun] a large seabird with mainly white plumage, known for catching fish by plunge-diving"

Garlic-: "[noun] a strong-smelling pungent-tasting bulb; [noun] the plant, closely related to the onion, that produces garlic bulbs"

Garnet-: "[noun] a precious stone consisting of a deep red vitreous silicate mineral"

Garter-: "[noun] a common, harmless North American snake that typically has well-defined longitudinal stripes and favors damp habitats"

Gem-: "[noun] a precious or semiprecious stone"

Gentle-: "[adj] having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or character"

Gill-: "[noun] the paired respiratory organ of fish and some amphibians; [noun] the vertical plates arranged radially on the underside of mushrooms and many toadstools"

Ginger-: "[noun] a hot, fragrant spice; [noun] a Southeast Asian plant, which resembles bamboo in appearance, from which ginger is taken; [adj] of a light reddish-yellow or orange-brown color"

Glade-: "[noun] an open space in a forest"

Gleam-: "[noun] a faint or brief light, especially one reflected from something; [verb] shine brightly, especially with reflected light"

Gloom-: "[noun] partial or total darkness; [adj] have a dark or somber appearance"

Glow-: "[noun] a steady radiance of light or heat; [verb] give out steady light without flame"

Glowworm-: "[noun] a soft-bodied beetle with luminescent organs in the abdomen, especially the larva-like wingless female which emits light to attract the flying male"

Goat-: "[noun] a hardy domesticated ruminant animal that has backward curving horns and (in the male) a beard"

Gold-: "[noun] a deep lustrous yellow or yellow-brown color; [adj] made of or colored like gold"

Golden-: "[adj] colored or shining like gold"

Goldenrod-: "[noun] a plant of the daisy family, which bears tall spikes of small bright yellow flowers"

Goldfish-: "[noun] a small reddish-golden Eurasian carp"

Goose-: "[noun] a large waterbird with a long neck, short legs, webbed feet, and a short broad bill"

Gopher-: "[noun] a burrowing rodent with fur-lined pouches on the outside of the cheeks"

Gorge-: "[noun] a narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it"

Gorse-: "[noun] a yellow-flowered shrub of the pea family, the leaves of which are modified to form spines, native to western Europe and North Africa"

Goshawk-: "[noun] a large, short-winged hawk resembling a large sparrow hawk"

Gosling-: "[noun] a young goose"

Grackle-: "[noun] a songbird of the American blackbird family, the male of which has shiny black plumage with a blue-green sheen; [noun] another term for an Asian mynah or starling, with mainly black plumage"

Grain-: "[noun] wheat or any other cultivated cereal crop used as food; [noun] a single fruit or seed of a cereal"

Granite-: "[noun] a very hard, granular, crystalline, igneous rock consisting mainly of quartz, mica, and feldspar"

Grape-: "[noun] a berry, typically green (classified as white), purple, red, or black, growing in clusters on a grapevine"

Grapevine-: "[noun] a vine native to both Eurasia and North America, especially one bearing fruit (grapes)"

Grass-: "[noun] vegetation consisting of typically short plants with long, narrow leaves; [noun] the mainly herbaceous plant that constitutes grass, which has jointed stems and spikes of small, wind-pollinated flowers"

Grasshopper-: "[noun] a plant-eating insect with long hind legs that are used for jumping and for producing a chirping sound. It frequents grassy places and low vegetation"

Gravel-: "[noun] a loose aggregation of small water-worn or pounded stones"

Gray-: "[noun] gray color or pigment; [adj] of a color intermediate between black and white, as of ashes or lead]"

Grayling-: "[noun] an edible freshwater fish of Eurasia and North America that is silvery-gray with horizontal violet stripes and has a long, high dorsal fin; [noun] a mainly brown European butterfly which has wings with bright eyespots and grayish undersides"

Grebe-: "[noun] a diving waterbird with a long neck, lobed toes, and almost no tail, typically having bright breeding plumage used in display"

Green-: "[noun] green color or pigment; [adj] of the color between blue and yellow in the spectrum; colored like grass or emeralds"

Grisette-: "[noun] a common edible woodland mushroom with a brown or gray cap, a slender stem, and white gills"

Grouse-: "[noun] a medium to large game bird with a plump body and feathered legs, the male being larger and more conspicuously colored than the female"

Grove-: "[noun] a small wood, orchard, or group of trees"

Growl-: "[verb] (of an animal, especially a dog) make a low guttural sound in the throat; [noun] a low guttural sound made in the throat by a hostile dog or other animal"

Grub-: "[noun] the larva of an insect, especially a beetle"

Gull-: "[noun] a long-winged web-footed seabird with a raucous call, typically having white plumage with a gray or black mantle"

Guppy-: "[noun] a small, livebearing freshwater fish"

Gust-: "[noun] a brief, strong rush of wind"

[silurisanguine]

oc asks: not-so-nice edition

For Zofie: midnight, mistake

Thanks for the asks on Zofie!! midnight: What keeps your OC up at night? Do they have nightmares? Fears? Anxieties? What do they do in the small hours of the morning when they should be sleeping? She sometimes has abstract nightmares about being surrounded by fire- a throwback to when she was attacked by a Templar hunter in retaliation for assassinating their leader. She always wakes unable to remember anything, other than that she's unbearably hot and all her covers have been thrown off. Her greatest fear is failing in her mission. There will always be small failures, but total failure would devastate her, even though she would pick herself up and carry on. If she finds she can't sleep, she studies if she wants to focus her mind and if she needs to get through anxiety or stress from a mission, then she trains.

mistake: What's the worst mistake your OC ever made? What led to them making it? Have they been able to fix it? How have they moved on? Not being prepared enough for the retaliation she knew would come from eradicating most of the London Templar branch. It cost her over 80% of her organic body and her beloved goshawk Ghost. But now thanks to her vast augmentations, she's adapted and found she can do things she'd never been able to do before and she fully intends to make the one who attacked her, pay for her mistake, but their still at large and often like to torment her to copying some of her appearance.