Kelenken

Tier: 2
Type: Terrestrial carnivore
Passive growth time: 2 hrs 3 min

Pack size: 6 sub adults/adults, 1-12 juveniles/adolescents
Hierarchy: Bonded pair

Mating bond: Monogamous
Nest size: 1-4 offspring per pair

Diet tags: Carnivore, semi-cannibalistic, opportunistic, scavenger, frugivore & ovivore
Preferred food: Tier 1-4 herbivores & carnivores
Species specific rules: If they have at least 4 sub adults/adults, they can also hunt Tier 5 herbivores & carnivores. If they have at least 6 sub adults/adults, they can also hunt Tier 6 herbivores & carnivores.
Can only cannibalize when they have a group of 4 or more.

Behaviors in nature

Keleken are regularly observed in spacious open plains in groups referred to as Flocks. The leading bonded pair of the flock oversee the group's hunting activities and select the most vulnerable prey to ensure successful hunts. Kelenkens hunt by swift attacks, utilizing their powerful beaks to snap the bones of their targets and with their strong legs, they stomp the prey to death. These terror birds display extreme aggressiveness and will not let any other creatures outside of their own kind into their personal space, quickly chasing off any individuals that linger in their proximity for more than a moment. While Kelekens do not claim any specific territories, they maintain a strong rivalry with Megalanias due to their preference for areas such as one of Kelenkens nesting areas, the rocky cliff edge, where they have a tendency to consume their eggs and vulnerable chicks.

Social behavior

Similar to hunting, the leading bonded pair of Kelekens take charge of the flock's daily routines and movements. They work in tandem to direct other flock members and always take the first share of food from successful hunts, driving away other members who attempt to feed before them. Flock members often display a more aggressive behavior towards younger and newer members of the flock, bullying them to establish a clear hierarchy. Kelekens might even pair up to challenge the leading pair of the flock. If successful, the challengers will then assume the role of flock leaders.

Recommended behaviors

╸Kelekens tend to bully flock mates they deem weaker.
╸Due to their solid social hierarchy, younger and weaker Kelekens are usually forced to survive off of the adult scraps.

Courtship

When the mating season is approaching, unbonded individuals will leave their flocks and travel long distances to a specific mating site. At the mating site, both genders will observe and analyze others movements and behaviors. If two Kelekens develop an interest in one another, they will begin a ritualistic dance, circling each other, flashing their feathers and rhythmically snap their beaks like drums. This dance continues, allowing them to synchronize their coordination and movements. If both Kelekens are satisfied with eachothers performance, they end the ritual by clacking their beaks against one another, displaying affectionate behavior. They will then leave the mating grounds to begin their life together as a bonded pair.

Nesting & offspring

When the pair is getting closer to laying their eggs, they search for a suitable nesting site, often returning to the same location where they have previously nested. Kelenken’ nest on rocky cliff edges, outcroppings, and heavily wooded areas. The pair will spend days crafting the nest to perfection and once the nest is ready, the female will lay the eggs in a neat pile. The chicks are born without sight and vulnerable, and, as such, the pair will continue taking turns to keep them warm while the other provides food. Once the chicks are more developed and their vision has improved, they will start to engage in playful interactions with each other to establish their own hierarchy order. Once the chicks are young adults, they will either compete with other members of the flock for a position, or depart the flock to establish their own.

Item 1 of 3