Darcian Kib

Darcia's largest Paravian, the Darcian Kib is a large, flightless psuedobird native to Northre. Standing twelve feet tall, the Darcian kib towers over both human and gummy bear alike, and is the second largest predator on the planet.

Taxonomy
The Darcian kib's only close relative is the Miniature Kib, but its placement as a derived Paravian was recognized early on. While it retains the raptorial claws on its wings of more basal members, the presence of a well-developed beak, and the heavily ossified back cartilage are indications that it is a more recently evolved group.

Including the extinct kibs, the Darcian Kib is also the most derived species of kib overall. The closely related Psuedotitanis immitator likely being a direct ancestor.

Distribution and Habitat
Darcian Kibs are found across Northre, though they are much more common in open habitats than closed ones, likely to avoid competition with the Megamole, which is one of the few animals on the continent the Darcian kib is not known to feed upon.

Behavior and Ecology
The Darcian Kib is an apex predator, and is hypercarnivorous. Prey items vary across ecosystems, with some populations getting as much as 60% of their diet from flesh-grazing on adult Megabrachios, with other populations feeding primarily on Borilla and antelopebirds. In general, however, kibs feed on animals of many trophic levels and sizes, and are extremely generalistic in their prey and hunting methods. Their large, scythe-like beak-tip is used for slashing at prey, but the back of the beak is incredibly robust for crushing bone and armor. Generally, Darcian kibs feed primarily on herbivorous or omnivorous species, regardless of range. Other carnivores are rarely eaten, likely because of their rarity in the ecosystem.

Typically, Darcian kibs are seen in monogamous mated pairs, with up to four chicks. The chicks are precocial at birth, and will follow the parents within days of hatching.