Large herds of the duckbilled honkers have thrived in environments rich in vegetation they find edible, in Africa, Europe and south east Asia. Though always on the move, once a year for 3 weeks, a herd will stop and congregate when it is time to nest a new clutch of eggs. Nesting sites are usually near a large body of fresh water after the spring rains have come, creating a rich, muddy environment in which to lay their eggs. The herd returns to roost at the same nesting site for their entire lives (or at least the same general area), and with them come the predators who take advantage of the Duckbill’s nature.
These herbivores have a large, flat, bill – like muzzle with large flat, teeth in the lower jaw for grinding and chewing vegetation. They feed on conifer trees, pine cones, acorns, oak tree leaves, berries, ferns and various other plants found in mixed forests. They are usually encountered in herds of 20 – 80, but there are a great many of these small to medium – sized herds. In the Americas, Duckbilled Honkers tend to gather in large herds of 100 – 600 animals, however, the smaller herds are more flexible, mobile and less likely to attract predators. Duckbilled Honkers are the favourite prey of large predators like the Allosaurus and T–Rex, as well as raptors and local humans. In Australia some ranchers have begun to raise them like cattle, but this is uncommon elsewhere.
Duckbills rarely fight unless panicked, backed into a corner and attacked, or to defend their nest or young. Generally, they ignore small, unmounted humanoids. and run away from danger whenever they can. They are called “honkers” because they make loud honking sounds like geese with a loudspeaker.
ABILITIES
Excellent speed, can run without pause and without exhaustion for hours, likes water (can swim) and can hold breath underwater for several minutes, and although constantly eating, can go without food or water for up to six weeks without ill effect.
NOTES
Large herds of the duckbilled honkers have thrived in environments rich in vegetation they find edible, in Africa, Europe and south east Asia. Though always on the move, once a year for 3 weeks, a herd will stop and congregate when it is time to nest a new clutch of eggs. Nesting sites are usually near a large body of fresh water after the spring rains have come, creating a rich, muddy environment in which to lay their eggs. The herd returns to roost at the same nesting site for their entire lives (or at least the same general area), and with them come the predators who take advantage of the Duckbill’s nature.
These herbivores have a large, flat, bill – like muzzle with large flat, teeth in the lower jaw for grinding and chewing vegetation. They feed on conifer trees, pine cones, acorns, oak tree leaves, berries, ferns and various other plants found in mixed forests. They are usually encountered in herds of 20 – 80, but there are a great many of these small to medium – sized herds. In the Americas, Duckbilled Honkers tend to gather in large herds of 100 – 600 animals, however, the smaller herds are more flexible, mobile and less likely to attract predators. Duckbilled Honkers are the favourite prey of large predators like the Allosaurus and T–Rex, as well as raptors and local humans. In Australia some ranchers have begun to raise them like cattle, but this is uncommon elsewhere.
Duckbills rarely fight unless panicked, backed into a corner and attacked, or to defend their nest or young. Generally, they ignore small, unmounted humanoids. and run away from danger whenever they can. They are called “honkers” because they make loud honking sounds like geese with a loudspeaker.
ABILITIES
Excellent speed, can run without pause and without exhaustion for hours, likes water (can swim) and can hold breath underwater for several minutes, and although constantly eating, can go without food or water for up to six weeks without ill effect.
HABITAT
Woodlands and scrub plains worldwide.