The Coronis (Na'vi name: txeptsyal) is a bird-like creatures found in the Kinglor Forest and the Upper Plains of Pandora.
Anatomy[]
Their two aerodynamic wings are connected to their forelimb joints, granting the Coronis agility and extreme bursts of speed in any weather conditions. The Coronis has a large, narrow tail made of muscle that can vibrate like the wings of an insect. As a result, these vivid and striking tails mimic the butterflies of Pandora in both shape and movement. Coronis use these tails to trick flying insects into approaching them, and then use their sharp beak to quickly grip and consume their prey.
Behavior[]
Coronis always flee to safety whenever a predator is nearby using their impressive agility to dart out of sight in a matter of seconds. Unfortunately, they sometimes struggle to discern what is and isn’t a threat and are known to “disappear” at the slightest fright.
In Na'vi culture[]
In Na’vi folklore, the Coronis were betrayed by one of their own. A rogue Coronis’ kuru was damaged, and it had become severed from Eywa. It turned on its own kind and began to hunt its flock. As a result, the Coronis are said to be constantly fearful and perceive false threats at every turn, a symptom of no longer knowing who to trust.
Nests and eggs[]
The Coronis lays its eggs in nests it builds around the Weeping Steps. An orange-red, teardrop-shaped egg with yellow striations, the colors of the Coronis egg are also found on the creature's wings.
Eggs are the fertilized embryos of reptiles, insects and other animals that gestate outside of the body in a protective, organic vessel. Most Na'vi clans forage eggs, primarily for food, ensuring they take only one egg from a nest so that the species may still thrive.
Trivia[]
- Coronis means "crown" in Latin.