Pukei-Pukei Ecology

Taxonomy
Pukei-Pukei is a reptilian Bird Wyvern that is native to the New World.

History
One of the species discovered in the New World, Pukei-Pukei was discovered by the Research Commission when they first explored the lone continent.

Habitat Range
Pukei-Pukei is known to inhabit the Ancient Forest, though it will sometimes venture into the Wildspire Waste.

It is believed by researchers that the Pukei-Pukei population originally lived in the treetops of the Ancient Forest but were forced to the lower levels of the area because of a Rathalos invading the canopy.

Ecological Niche
Pukei-Pukei is a herbivore that feeds on various plants like scatternuts, sporepuffs, and poisoncups. In some instances, Pukei-Pukei has even been observed eating stones. Despite being a herbivore, it will attack weaker monsters like Mosswine and Jagras, but will flee from larger, stronger monsters like Anjanath and Rathalos.

Importantance to the Ecosystem
Many of the plants in the Ancient Forest have a low germination rate due to them being covered by a shell, but Pukei-Pukei increases the germination rate by feeding on them. Pukei-Pukei mainly eats these plants for food and defensive purposes, though leaves behind the seeds which makes more vegetation for its environment. From the Pukei-Pukei eating the plants, it allows for the Ancient Forest's habitat to further grow and spread.

Biological Adaptations
Like some Bird Wyverns, Pukei-Pukei has feathers covering some portions of its body (Wings and neck). Inside of these feathers are small crystals that reflect light, changing color depending on the light's angle. The color of Pukei-Pukei's feathers, as well as its face, will change color to reflect the Bird Wyvern's emotions, showing how it feels at the moment. For example, when Pukei-Pukei's feathers are brown, and its eyes are partially closed, it means that it is scared and has recently encountered a large monster like Anjanath. Inside of Pukei-Pukei's mouth is a long tongue that it is able to stick out freely by pushing its hyoid bone forward and stretching its rubbery muscles around. This tongue can be about four meters long, or more, and is mostly used for grabbing plants, though can be used as a weapon as well. Though Pukei-Pukei's tongue can be used as a weapon, it isn't its main means of defense. Like Gypceros, Pukei-Pukei has a poison sac and is able to spit globs of it at foes, however, it adds an extra punch to its poison by eating. When threatened, Pukei-Pukei will look for certain plants before eating them, and store some of the plant's properties in its lower jaw, combining it with its own poison. By combining the plant's properties with its own poison, it gives its poison an extra effect that helps protect it against predators. For example, when Pukei-Pukei combines scatternuts with its own poison, it is able to both stun and poison its enemies at the same time. By constantly eating plants and combining them with its poison, a toxic gas is produced in its body, which dissolves in its poison sac and accumulates in its tail. While this toxic gas is accumulated in its tail, Pukei-Pukei can fire this gas off from the end of its tail, acting as an extra defense against predators.

Behavior
Pukei-Pukei is a monster that is known to bully smaller species but flees from larger ones. It won't attack hunters on sight but will attack them if it feels threatened by them.

Breeding Habits
Rather than care for its own young, it is believed that Pukei-Pukei uses Mernos to care for its babies. When a Mernos isn't in its nest, Pukei-Pukei will sneak into the nest and lay its own eggs, leaving its young in the care of the oblivious Mernos. Once the Pukei-Pukei's eggs hatch, the young will leave the Mernos's nest and care for themselves, spending most of their time learning how to fly and feeding on plants.