Species: Dracos Deinonychus

Dracos deinonychus: Terrible Claw Dragon

These dragons are very swift, agile, and intelligent. They are omnivores and like to live in groups, from 5 members up to 20, sometimes more. Few live alone. They are social and non territorial, but will keep an eye on other predators when there are young around. The only distinguishing characteristic between males and females are the fin-like wings. The main purpose of these wings is display. Males use them for courting to attract a female, and both use them for displaying emotion. These wings are big enough to glide, but not fly. When not in use, they fold against the body. The color of the wings can be changed at will, usually according to mood.

Their body color changes according to the environment and season. They will develop markings for added camouflage. They have a long muscular tail tipped with a blade used for hunting and defense. The tail is flexible, but held stiff in a position similar to a raptor's when running and walking. Long fingers help them stay on their prey, along with long curved talons. They are twice the size of a raptor.

Females lay up to 6 eggs and both parents care for the young. After a year the young can fend for themselves and either leave to start their own nimbus or stay with the family group.

When communicating with each other, they use body language and verbal communication. Verbal communication sounds almost like a language, using a variety of growls, clicks, whistles, ect. When communicating with those who do not understand their language, they use gestures and a sort of sign language. The least common form of communication is telepathy, though their telepathic speech is a bit primitive.

They have a beak-like outer mouth and a toothy inner mouth. Each mouth can open and close individually and both the upper and lower jaw move. This aids in the different sounds used for verbal communication and allows them to open their jaws extremely wide. They have short, stubby, pointed tongues that can stretch out well beyond their mouth, like when we stick out our tongue. The holes act as eyes and they can change the way they "see" (heat vision, light, etc.). Bony plates act as eyelids and slide down to cover the holes.

Mutations rarely occur. Such mutations include horns, spikes, extra fingers, toes, limbs, and/or eyes, lack of outside teeth, and wings. Albinism is another possible mutation, in which the subject cannot change its color. This mutation can occur on two parts: the wings or the body. There have been occasions where both are unable to change color. Instead of being treated like an outsider, the nimbus uses the albino to their advantage in hunting, using it to distract the prey while the rest of the group surrounds and closes in.

THIS SPECIES BELONGS TO ME. If you wish to draw one, ask permission!