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[ Return to Mythical Dragon Biology ]
Appearance
Unlike their Asian/African counterparts, these winged serpents do not have
membranous wings. The wings are feathered, like a bird. The way the pictures
are drawn implies that the bone structure of the wings is also similar to birds.
Lifestyle/Habitat
They appear to be
forest dwelling and are found in South America. There are possible sightings
of them in Egypt, as seen in some Egyptian art. However, there is little
independent evidence of this, so the feathers may have been a purely symbolic
addition. It could also be that some species of these feathered serpents migrate.
Diet
There is not a great deal of information on the possible diet of these dragons.
It can be difficult to observe animals in the dense rainforests,
so it is not surprising that very little was recorded. About the only implication
that can be made is that they did not seem to attack people and their animals.
This would suggest they are eating smaller animals. Small varieties of dragon
might even eat insects and fruit.
Physiology
The feathered covering strongly suggests an endotherm. Feathers in birds were thought to
have originally evolve to keep them warm, as they evolved before birds started flying. Using
feathers in flight was a later adaption. It seems likely that feathers may have had a similar
purpose in dragons.
Flight
Winged serpents have thin bodies and large wing sizes. Proper powered flight would be entirely
possible.
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