Art by @PotatoLion

Daw's Pronged Hawk

Outside of academic circles, the pronged hawk is colloquially known as the scorpion hawk. Its only known habitat is within the Southern Reach, in forests where yew berries or white baneberries can be found. Pronged hawks are easily identifiable by a three-pronged tail, the scalloped pattern on their shoulders, their small size (roughly 6 inches in length), and, most prominently, an additional back claw on their talons. This hyper-dexterous, secondary back claw connects to a venom gland on their leg, in which it builds venom using compounds found in the yew or white baneberries that it eats. Once injected with this venom, prey as large as foxes and adult cats will begin to grow sluggish, making them much easier for the smaller hawk to eventually kill and consume.

While very potent for smaller beasts, the venom is largely harmless for larger beings, who feel but a dizzying sensation for a minute if exposed to it. Due to observations of this creature being recent, taming attempts for falconry have not resulted in very many successful captures.

Written by PotatoLions