Submission (#7867) Approved

Fauna: Snowcloak Birb - The easiest way to describe this bird is a snow peacock, but that is not truly an accurate description. The Snowcloak (as it is known in short) is a bird that lives exclusively in Strynhalde, a region that is always graced with snow. These birds show no sexual dimorphism, both male and female having long trains of feathers. Unlike the peacock, the tails of the Snowcloak always remain in a lowered state, never able to go into an upright "display" like a peacock. Snowcloaks have additional layers of fluffier down-like feathers around the neck/chest, covering the legs, and on the underside of the tail's train of feathers. This helps keep itself and any chicks warm (though each chick tends to be covers in thick down, making them quite round and snowball shaped). The primary diet of the Snowcloak are snowberries, which are definitely quite abundant in Strynhalde. These birds make nests near the bushes, making it easy to find these birds... or does it? The purpose of the trains of feathers is actually for camoflauge, draping the feathers over itself and its young if any threat is nearby. Many an Eyrisian has a hard time seeing these birds in the wild since they practically vanish when their snow white feathers are draped around them. Having any of their feathers is considered beautiful and make lovely accents to winter fashion, but if someone has a full coat or cloak of these feathers, they more than likely hunted down the bird, which has led to a much lower population in the wild.

Regional Affinity: Strynhalde
Elnin: Quebec [MYO-ELN726]