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firesprite — Poisonous Moon Jay

Published: 2005-02-26 21:07:27 +0000 UTC; Views: 737; Favourites: 18; Downloads: 43
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Description This is for our "Creature of the Week" contest on conceptart.org, whose topis was "venemous birds".
Scientific name: corvus luna cristata
Common name: Poison moon jay

This species derives its name from the lunar-like, glowing eyespots on the underside of each wing. It has evolved in close link with the lantern frog, a toxic species that resides in deep forests and can often be found in the mouths of certain caves. Nobody is entirely sure where the lantern frog derives its noxious venom, but scientists believe it has to do with the food it ingests; a particular species of blue firefly, which it attracts with a lure that can flash and mimic the mating signals of these insects. The moon jay does not seem to eat the frogs for its diet, but instead attracts them and then pounces on them, clasping the frog in its feet. It then performs a bizarre ritual, pecking a little at the frog so that it releases a potentially lethal neurotoxin from its skin. The jay wipes its beak over the frog's back and then preens itself, leaving a thin oil on its feathers as a defense mechanism to its predators. If the immediate bitter stinging sensation doesn't put the predator off, the jay goes into a defensive stance, lowering its head and raising its tail feathers, which have evolved to look extremely like one another and confuse the animal into biting the less important end. The eyespots are also meant to confuse and startle.
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Comments: 6

Nightstripes0987 [2012-08-04 23:45:18 +0000 UTC]

Pretty birdee!!! can i haz tips on drawin dem o3o?

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Lorna-RoseFoX [2009-07-08 11:56:50 +0000 UTC]

Pretty love birds a lot wonder if its tame?

Erm would you mind if I use this for a bit of inspartion I am trying to create a pheonix griffin cross delity

is struggling to make a eligant yet strong creature

so far having some alchmey symbols and an idea to make him evil but he is not thats just to keep unwanted guests away.

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Nambroth [2005-04-15 20:18:16 +0000 UTC]

This is just cool. Love the colorations you used! :}

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firesprite In reply to Nambroth [2005-04-15 21:25:48 +0000 UTC]

Wow, a comment by Nambroth! I've been a fan of your work for years, since I saw you on Elfwood. Thank you so much for visiting my page!

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avalyss [2005-03-02 20:56:53 +0000 UTC]

It's so cu... wait... its poisonous? I want one ... Anyway, I love the way you drew the wings, they look awesome.

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firesprite In reply to avalyss [2005-03-03 03:37:44 +0000 UTC]

Thanks! Btw, if you want to see more poisonous bird concepts, go here...

[link]

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