betaraptor lucidinychus- common name peacock raptor
betaraptor comes from the position of the planet in the system they were discovered on, and lucidinychus comes from their bright, color-shifting eyes, and the prominient sickle claw. while they technically are in an entirely different classification than earth-dromaeosaurs theyre very similar in shape and size, though their behaviors vary wildly. the peacock raptor is among the largest of the other “extra-terrestrial dinosaurs” (that is, creatures that resemble earth dinosaurs incredibly uncannily despite being completely unrelated) in its family.
peacock raptors are known for their color-shifting eyes, mildly venomous bite, and large, expressive crests and tail plumage.
they are warm blooded and moderately intelligent; they are capable of simple communication through clicks and hisses, though vocalizations are rare unless a peacock raptor is injured and calling for help. most of their communication is through body language, especially with the very large crest and sensitive “whiskers” protruding from their heads.
sub-adults are technically able to reproduce, however, they lack the hormones that cause them to be sexually aggressive and thus almost never engage in breeding. very rarely are they pursued as they also lack the “eye catching” characteristics of full adult peacock raptors, and their size is a signifigant disadvantage for reproduction, and as such egg-laying in sub-adults is usually unsuccessful.
peacock raptors show very little sexual dysmorphism until they reach adulthood- hormones cause males to grow “mane”-like feathers around their necks, which often sport a fourth, brighter feather color. sometimes conditions within their environment can cause female peacock raptors to exhibit the same physical characteristics, however, similarly to sexual dysmorphism lions.
while there are no true “domestic” breeds of peacock raptor, they are incredibly docile for a carnivorous creature of their stature. they are not usually intimidated by other species. through food-based training, they are capable of following basic commands such as come, stay, jump, etc. adult peacock raptors require a tremendous amount of space in captivity, however, or else they run the risk of becoming jittery and territorially aggressive (a behavior thats only ever been recorded in captivity). as a result they are incredibly difficult to keep past the sub-adult stage, especially for spacefarers.
the average adult reaches a length of about 18 feet from head to tail tip (including feathers) and 3.5 feet in a relaxed stance from hip to toe (about 6.5 feet from head, including crest, to toe)