Re: [SG] Friends, Romans, GZG Listers....

>http://www.geocities.com/johnxcrim/Graphics/Animal.jpg
>
>The "Pikobis", shown here with a GZG UN trooper for scale.  What I
would
>like is some suggestions on how to use this curious beastie.  

Pseudopsittacus Maximus (Largest Pseudo-Parrot) or Pikobis

The Pikobis is a warm-blooded pack hunter, similar in many ways to
Velociraptor
and other Raptor dinosaurs of ancient Earth. One of many similar
creatures found
on Rigel IV, generally it feeds only the largest of prey, the Macropodia
Gigantica,
which resemble small mountains. Normally bipedal, the method of attack
(if you
can call it that) is to leap upon the Macropod's tail, run up the back
with
the help of its forefeet, then bury its long beak deep in the skin of
the victim.
It secretes both analgesics and anti-clotting agents, and feeds upon as
much
as it can eat beneath the Macropod's 2-metre thick hide. By the time the
pain
signal has reached the Macropod's nearest neural knot, the Picobis is
long gone.
Thus it resembles both a Vampire Bat and a Mosquito, albeit on a
considerably
larger scale.
The Pikobis also is not averse to feeding upon the other parasites found
on
the larger Macropods, and thus could theoretically pose a danger to
humans,
but few attacks have been recorded, and those only in nesting grounds.
The Pikobis is also a carrion-eater, using its long neck and beak to
probe deep
into the carcass, much like a vulture or buzzard. Approach any group of
Picobi
feeding with caution, as they are very territorial about their food.
The Pikobis follows a very conventional social pattern, that of a harem
of females
hunting for young and an alpha male, with opportunistic bachelors
nearby, similar
to Lions. 
Unlike many of its close relatives, the Pikobis is not particularly
bright.
It is, however, curious. And it does have a unique talent, which gives
it its
name. It is, with the possible exception of Earth's Australian Lyrebird,
the
best mimic in the known Galaxy. Unlike the lyrebird, it is capable of
generating
audio signals up to 120 dB, comparable with an unsilenced Jet Engine at
1 meter.
It can, and has, successfully imitated chainsaws, automatic rifle fire,
tank
treads, spaceship take-offs, and the crack of a Main Battle Tank's main
armament.
The latter has been used with some effect to stun small prey at
distances of
up to 40 metres. As a large repertoire of calls is a part of mating
rituals,
it is imperative that really good earplugs be used when approaching
Pikobis.