Adult Male
Name: unnamed
Species: Red-Capped Quetzalcoatl
Birthday: Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Owner: Serinda
Element: Neutral 
Adult red-capped quetzalcoatls only reach their full size after a decade, growing more slowly than other quetzalcoatls, but reaching lengths of up to twelve feet if well-fed. They are a bit too large for magi to carry on their shoulders, so they'll often follow their human companions by slithering or flying behind them. Despite their bulk, red-capped quetzalcoatls are fairly light and surprisingly fast flyers, able to chase down jackrabbits running at full speed. They calm down considerably after they reach a few months old, becoming docile, curious creatures that form surprisingly close bonds to humans who care for them. They retain the mild venom hatchlings use for defense, but never bite unless threatened. Though the bites themselves are painful and cause a small bit of swelling, the venom is regularly collected to be used in potions. It can be refined with other materials and added to a sweet beverage to make a potion that brings back good memories, a popular drink for the holidays.
Most quetzalcoatls venture south for the winter if they live in places with cold seasons, preferring the warmth of summer, rainforests, and deserts. Not so for the red-capped quetzalcoatl; these creatures are covered in a fine layer of downy feathers all along their serpentine bodies to keep them warm. They remain active year-round in Silva Forest, the Alasre Mountains, and even up into the lower reaches of the Arkene and Boreus. They must eat high-energy foods to burn enough energy to stay warm in the depths of winter, so they tend to eat honey and fruit in the summer and switch to meat when these become scarce. One might imagine their bright colors to be disadvantageous for camouflage, but since they only hunt when snow is on the ground, their white feathers do them no harm, and though their red feathers may be bright to humans, their favorite prey (rodents, rabbits, and small hoofed mammals) cannot easily distinguish these colors from shadows or the bark of trees.
Sprite art: Mysfytt (adult) | Description: PKGriffin