Template:Nature-Creature The Bliz
Description & History
It’s rich plumage – a perfect mix of black, pink ,and grey along with grace displayed when in flight, make it a favorite Hapan bird often held in households. Not only Bliz is pleasant being to observe but also to listen – it’s strong song is know to soothe nerves and create warm and friendly atmosphere. Since only healthy specimens posses the features mentioned above, Hapans put great care to provide them with excellent living conditions. Birds are held in commodious wooden cages called „Blizcots” in which they can exist in very comfortable environment (one Blizcot usually contains 4 to 5 specimens). Houses of wealthier Hapans often have a special room or even professional aviary which imitates natural habitat of Bliz and holds a small flock of those beautiful birds. Another unique feature of Bliz are it’s eggs, they are considered to be a delicacy throughout the cluster, and are know to reach astronomical prices outside of it. Since Bliz female only lays eggs twice a year, it’s precious eggs are gathered and stored only to be eaten during the most important moments for Hapans – when birth of first child is celebrated, during the marriage celebrations, and when Hapans celebrate the Coronation Day or King’s Birthday. During the reign of Queen Mother Pal'durath and after her death, when turmoil reign over the Hapes, eggs of Bliz were used as one of the means of providing income. In poor families, in which everybody had to work in order to survive, children were sent to the forest to gather the precious eggs – not to satisfy their hunger but to sell them to wealthy merchants and more fortunate ones. Now when the poverty is non-existing, Bliz became a symbol of success – as everyone can afford to keep few specimens.
Biological Information
Originally this fine songster occupied only Hapan System, planet Hapes. But as Hapan dominium expanded, biologists and ornithologists successfully strived to bring this wonder to other Hapan-held planets. Bliz prefers temperate climate, and does not occur in the cold parts of Hapan planets, it also avoids hot and humid jungle and swamp areas. Years before Hapes experienced economical boom, when infrastructure was not well developed Bliz could only be found in deep ancient forests and grass-lands, now when cities expand and economy flourishes, Bliz can also be encountered in Hapan orchards and gardens – where it is the most welcomed guest. It’s lifespan when not in captivity ranges from 8 to 10 years, househeld birds are known to reach the age of 12 years. Healthy specimen can reach speed of up to 32 km/h, weights between 46-50 g, and has wingspan of 25-31 cm.
Breeding/Mating
When Bliz disappear from Hapan cities it is a clear sign that mating season has began, as Bliz is know to pair only in deep woods. Bliz courting ritual is one of the most interesting thing that one can see. Male specimen first attracts Female one to the nest that it has created, usually made of small twigs, grass and padded with moss. When the female specimen ‘inspects’ the nest, the male dances around her and sings, the melody itself is very beautiful it is a know fact that the song is unique to the breeding ritual and can be only heard at that time. Another interesting fact is that male prior to the visit of a female prepares something that can be called a feast – small worms, and berries are placed on nearby branch so that after the ‘inspection’ female can satisfy her hunger. If Female specimen is satisfied with the reception, it pairs with the male. The relationship last until the lasts nestling abandons the home as an independent bird.
Bliz Facts
- Population greatly increased thanks to habitat changes made by Hapans.
- Sings to communicate with other specimens, females are know to sing longer and use more complex melody.
- Lives in small flocks.
