Snapperky

The snapperky split from its ancestor. In truth, this species evolved in tandem with the bladesnapper. While the bladesnapper evolved for hunting in the coast, the snapperky develop for land, eventually being pushed out of the coastal regions altogether. It now is a generalist hunter, preying on the various Thornbacks of Fermi; it has grown larger to contend with the relatively heavier prey. While a powerful fighter when pressed, it will turn away if its prey matches its strength. Like the bladesnapper, it has a longer neck, though these snappers need the longer neck to see farther while hunting or looking out for opponents. Its lower mandible has redeveloped for a new hunting method. It will use its jaw as a lever to knock its prey over, then stab at them with their wing-claws and mouth. Individuals live for 8 years, maturing in the first year. Males develop a black-feathered "collar" with blue-green spots; they display for females by shaking the collar feathers. Pairs mate for life, laying around 3 clutches of 2-3 eggs in their lifetime. Parents take turns watching the eggs and chicks, staking out territories of several square kilometers to hunt. When the chicks mature, they move out to mate and stake new territories, or to usurp the hunting grounds of older individuals.