Linnude

Linnude is a fictional species described in contemporary fantasy and speculative biology. In many sources it is depicted as a medium-sized, waterfowl-like bird with iridescent plumage that shifts between cobalt and emerald in different light. Adults are generally described as 45 to 60 cm long, with a slender neck, a slightly hooked bill, and relatively short legs suited for wading. The plumage often features a pale throat patch and a subtle crest.

Habitat and range: Linnude are described as inhabiting freshwater lakes, slow-moving rivers, and coastal brackish lagoons in temperate and subpolar regions. They are commonly associated with reed beds, submerged vegetation, and rocky shorelines that provide nesting sites.

Behavior and diet: They are typically depicted as territorial but gregarious outside the breeding season. They feed on small fish, aquatic invertebrates, and some plant matter, foraging by dabbling or diving depending on depth. Vocalizations are described as melodic, flute-like calls used in courtship and territory defense.

Reproduction and lifecycle: Linnude form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Nests are built near cover, often among reeds or on low-lying banks. Clutch sizes commonly range from 3 to 6 eggs, with incubation lasting about four weeks. Chicks are precocial and can leave the nest shortly after hatching.

Taxonomy and etymology: In fictional contexts, linnude has no real-world taxonomic status. Some sources place it in a non-existent family Linnidae or within a broad order Anseriformes for convenience. The name is sometimes linked to the word linn, meaning pool or lake in several languages.

In culture: The linnude appears in various works of fantasy and worldbuilding, where it is used as a symbol of mystery and endurance, and as a subject for art and conservation-themed narratives.