The canyon meer deer (Na'vi name: Syil) is a shy, reclusive subspecies of the Meer Deer family.
The graceful and elusive meer deer is unlikely to be observed by a novice hunter. Nocturnal and skittish, with 360-degree awareness and a keen sense of sight, it requires great care and patience to find.
A distant cousin of the hexapede, the meer deer shares some similarities in body shape. However, its feet are uniquely adapted to navigate slopes, large roots and vines. Its tail deploys like a sail when the meer deer is digging the ground, allowing it to perceive subtle vibrations in the air and detect an approaching predator.
The meer deer's most noticeable feature is its unique and unusual head, shaped to dig at the ground like a spade or trowel. It hammers at the earth like a woodpecker when feeding, rapidly excavating the mushrooms, roots, truffles and worms that make up its daily diet.