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Description

above: a parrasloth (Nothropsittacus maximus) takes a bite out of delicious leaves

A common sight in the various rainforests of Psittaca, the parrasloth is a large species of ground cockatiel that feeds on leaves, branches and all manner of seeds. Parrasloths are typically solitary, huge herbivores that walk on what used to be their "wing", now a muscular arm with two, 40-centimetre claws used to stab and slash predators, or pull down large tree branches. This unique wing-to-arm form has appeared in their early ancestors, to swing on branches. It has truly adapted into something else — a powerful defence system.
Ever rarely hunted by predators at such a size, the parrasloth can be described as a "giant, clawed beast with arms for wings". But as young ones, they are easy prey if caught alone. Fast, but without defences and easily exhausted. Unlike sauropods or turtles, they do not invest energy in "thousands of young and hope that at least one will survive" strategy, instead, they invest all their energy for a few, strong young. This ensures their survival in the forest of horrors of Southern Psittalia.
Parrasloths, when headed face on are tough prey, even for the largest of predator parrots, the Psittacotyrants. With a 5 metre height when standing and weighing up to two tons, the parrrasloth just might be one of the largest psittacines, and as an extension one of the largest birds, ever to exist.

Description

above: a parrasloth (Nothropsittacus maximus) takes a bite out of delicious leaves

A common sight in the various rainforests of Psittaca, the parrasloth is a large species of ground cockatiel that feeds on leaves, branches and all manner of seeds. Parrasloths are typically solitary, huge herbivores that walk on what used to be their "wing", now a muscular arm with two, 40-centimetre claws used to stab and slash predators, or pull down large tree branches. This unique wing-to-arm form has appeared in their early ancestors, to swing on branches. It has truly adapted into something else — a powerful defence system.
Ever rarely hunted by predators at such a size, the parrasloth can be described as a "giant, clawed beast with arms for wings". But as young ones, they are easy prey if caught alone. Fast, but without defences and easily exhausted. Unlike sauropods or turtles, they do not invest energy in "thousands of young and hope that at least one will survive" strategy, instead, they invest all their energy for a few, strong young. This ensures their survival in the forest of horrors of Southern Psittalia.
Parrasloths, when headed face on are tough prey, even for the largest of predator parrots, the Psittacotyrants. With a 5 metre height when standing and weighing up to two tons, the parrrasloth just might be one of the largest psittacines, and as an extension one of the largest birds, ever to exist.