Coral Pukei-Pukei Ecology

Taxonomy
Coral Pukei-Pukei is a Bird Wyvern and subspecies of the Pukei-Pukei.

History
Coral Pukei-Pukei was one of the many species discovered during a massive up-swell in monster migrations in the new world caused by the activities of Shara Ishvalda.

Habitat Range
Coral Pukei-Pukei is known to inhabit the Coral Highlands and Guiding Lands.

Ecological Niche
Coral Pukei-Pukei is one of the many species specialized in consuming coral eggs. It is relatively low on the food chain, and while it can fight off packs of marauding Shamos, it would have to watch out for larger predators such as Legiana or Zinogre.

Biological Adaptions
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 Legiana. 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 coral eggs, 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. Unlike the forest subspecies, Coral Pukei-Pukei cannot produce poison. This has instead been been replaced by the ability to store vast amounts of water that can be shot back out as highly pressurized beams.