Terror Bird

Terror birds are cunning scavengers and predators. They reside at or near the top of the food chain in their territory unless another, more fearsome predator lives there. In such an instance, the terror birds' scavenger instincts become more prominent, since the birds no longer have to hunt for food to survive. Standing 8 to 9 feet tall, terror birds are flightless. Their large, hooked beaks are perfect for tearing meat, and although their claws look wicked and sharp, the birds do not use them to attack. The foliage of terror birds varies depending on a pack's claimed territory. If the birds are primarily predators, their foliage matches the terrain in which they hunt. If they act more as scavengers, their foliage might be brighter.

Terror birds are rarely encountered singly. They are efficient and cunning pack hunters. They never attack an obviously more powerful force, since they prefer to hunt prey they can carry away easily. Terror bird packs try to encircle their chosen victims. When their prey seems least aware, flanking terror birds run in to distract the creature or creatures, while the leader runs in and attempts to grab a small or smaller creature before running off to the pack's nesting ground. The others then cover for the fleeing, burdened leader. They know that if one returns with food, the rest of the pack will receive a share.