Vultsnapper

The vultsnapper is descended from the northernmost population cloud skysnappers on Wright. Some strayed too far north, got lost and ended up in an unfamilar environment. The ones who survived are the ones who could feed off carcasses and break through shell and bone. The result was the vultsnapper. The vultsnapper has many adaptations that are beneficial to its survival. It has strong flying muscles to gain altitude and uses gravity to soar for miles. The tail fin has also switched to being horizontal to aid in soaring. Its front two pairs of eyes have developed to see very long distances. With two front pairs of eyes that have stereoscopic vision, it can see for miles, scanning the ground for carcasses. The back pair of eyes have stayed the same, and are used to see from behind. If a predator is seen from behind, it springs into the air with its powerful legs, and flies to safety. It also has powerful muscles in its jaws and neck to tear hide, or crush shell and bone. The face is devoid of feathers with sparse plumage on its throat With its new diet it has encountered a problem, splintering shell and bone. To cope with this it has bony brows to protect its eyes from flying sharp fragments. The skin on its mouth has also become closer to the bone, like a crocodile, to reduce cuts and abrasions. It tears flesh and grinds bone or shell down into more manageable sizes. They live in family groups of five or more and share the carcass according to rank. The brighter blue the face and membranes, the higher the rank.