Alkuetos

Alkuetos is a fictional creature from the speculative biology project "Serina: A Natural History of the World, Speculative Evolution," created by a collective of artists and scientists. Within the context of Serina, alkuetos are depicted as avian descendants of the oscine passerines that survived the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. They are characterized by their small size and a diet that primarily consists of nectar, though they are also known to consume small insects.

The evolutionary trajectory of alkuetos in Serina is marked by their adaptation to a post-extinction world. The absence of many mammalian competitors and the abundance of flowering plants created an ecological niche that these birds successfully exploited. Their beaks are often described as being slender and elongated, specialized for reaching into floral structures to extract nectar. This feeding strategy has also led to a symbiotic relationship with various plants, as alkuetos act as pollinators.

Alkuetos exhibit a range of plumage colors, often described as vibrant, and display diverse vocalizations, a common trait inherited from their passerine ancestors. Their social behaviors are varied, with some species living in solitary pairs while others form larger flocks, particularly during migratory periods or when foraging at abundant food sources. The reproductive strategies of alkuetos are typical of birds, involving nest building and parental care of young. The Serina project explores a hypothetical future of life on Earth, and alkuetos represent one of many fascinating evolutionary pathways imagined within this framework.