Nasutoceratops

Tier: 4
Type: Terrestrial herbivore
Passive growth time: 2 hrs 51 min

Band size: 5 sub adults/adults, 1-9 juveniles/adolescents
Hierarchy: Patriarchal

Mating bond: Polygyny
Nest size: 1-5 offspring per pair

Diet tags: Herbivore, frugivore & ossivore
Preferred food: Berry bushes, roots & tiger nuts. Licks salt rocks to add salt to their diet, and crunches down on shellfish & bones for variety

Behavior in nature

Despite not being the largest ceratopsian, Nasutoceratops is considered to be one of the most aggressive. Short tempered and unpredictable, they are highly territorial, warning any intruders with aggressive grumbles, stomps and kicks. Should these threats be ignored, they don’t hesitate to charge their foes down. They do not tolerate any creatures -carnivores or herbivores- on their turf, except members of their own band. Despite having the ability to crush tough fruit with their strong beaks, they prefer to eat the soft and sweeter berries favored by most of the island’s herbivores, and will fight fiercely for them, sometimes even to the death, only turning to nuts and other foods if severely malnourished. If they find the occasion to, they will also crunch bones and shellfish for extra calcium. When not antagonizing other creatures, they can be found resting lazily under the shade of trees. The length of their horns act as a status symbol; longer horns indicate a higher status, with bands typically led by older males with the longest horns.

Recommended behaviors

Nasutoceratops stand and stare at nearby creatures, becoming aggressive if approached. They vocalize loudly to express their hostility.
They are picky eaters and will prefer sweet berries over any other food, and will pick a fight over them.
Nasutoceratops are unfriendly even towards other herbivores and will distance themselves if unable to drive away invaders.

Social behavior

Nasutoceratops form medium-sized bands, composed typically of an older male and his mates or offspring. Younger unrelated males may join as subordinates, to gain experience or to eventually challenge the leader for his position. Females are slightly less aggressive, however they compete among each other for the care and attention of the leading male. When individuals meet for the first time, their initial interaction is to size each other up, walking side-by-side to compare their horn sizes.

Courtship

During springtime, when resources such as food and water are plentiful, is when Nasutoceratops find their mates. When an individual is interested, they will begin courtship with a gentle dance, swaying their heads from side-to-side, displaying their frills. If interested, the other party reciprocates, joining in on the dance. Typically only the leading male will take mates, while the subordinate males bide their time, observing and gaining experience. After courtship, females will seek their preferred nesting grounds, guiding their band towards a suitable area.

Nesting & offspring

Nasutoceratops prefer nesting in open locations with high visibility and ample food and water. They build nests out of roots and leaf litter to lay their clutch of eggs. The entire band will take turns incubating the eggs, even if they belong to other band members. Once hatched, the young are cared for by the entire band until they reach their own independence. They may then leave to search for another band, or they may choose to remain with their family for protection.