kestros

Kestros is a genus of small, flightless birds belonging to the family Rheidae, which also includes the rheas. Unlike their larger South American relatives, kestros are native to the fictional continent of Xylos. They are characterized by their short, stubby legs, long necks, and relatively small wings, which are not capable of flight. Their plumage is typically a mottled brown and grey, providing camouflage within their savanna-like habitat.

These birds are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, seeds, and fruits. They are social animals, often found in small flocks, and communicate through a series of soft chirps and whistles. Kestros are ground-dwelling birds and are known for their agility, able to run at surprising speeds to evade predators. Their main predators include larger carnivorous mammals native to Xylos.

Reproduction in kestros involves a unique social structure. Males establish territories and attract females, with several females often laying their eggs in a communal nest. The male then takes on the primary role of incubation and raising the young. The chicks are precocial, able to walk and feed themselves shortly after hatching. The genus currently consists of two recognized species, Kestros minor and Kestros savanna.