OLD~ But I still love it. My baby the Kikira <3 <3 Gotta re-draw them someday.

Originally an entry for a contest on DA. We were suppose to create a fantasy creature with the following features-
+ bright yellow eyes
+ shaggy black mane
+ silvery talons, claws, hooves or fins
+ serpentine tail
+ reddish coloration (but not limited to)

Well, meet the Kikira. Here's useless yet interesting info. on them ^_-

Legendary beasts that fly through the skies at great heights. They're mammals with a long snake like body, two front legs with 3 claws, each with large talons (the 3rd claw is placed on the hand like a thumb). Above the wrists are a set of long dagger like spikes which are used to help attack prey. Above their sholder blades are a pair of very large feathered wings. The feathers on the wings are actually made of a special metallic hair, that reflexs light, and acts as a mirror, allowing the Kikira's wings to almost change color with it's surroundings, and blend in. At the tip of the Kikira's tail is a clump of large feathers, with two of the feathers being 3 times longer than the rest. These feathers are used by male Kikira's to attract females, and females use the feathers to allow pups to hang on to during flying lessons :3 . Kikiras, since they are mammals, are covered with a soft thick fur, with the fur being the longest around the chest and neck. Along the back of the long neck, is a long shaggy mane of hair. Kikira's have very large ears and eyes, with accute sences in each. Male Kikiras have a horn in the center of their forehead, while females have none. What is also unique to the Kikira species is the two long whisker-like tenticles that are at the front of their muzzle. These "tenticles" are used by the Kikira to help communicate with each other.
The Kikira were onced used by a noble kingdom as steeds to fly through the skies. They were bred in captivity and trained to carry nobles and knights. They were treated with the uttmost respect, and their manes were often decerated with beads and jewels, and their colors were often adorned with diamonds.
The Kikira's natural habitat is in the high mountain peaks, where it is easy to land and take off. Because of their body structure, it is difficult for them to walk across the ground, and almost impossible to take off from without a ledge. Kikiras live in small family groups, usually with just the main parents and a pup that has not yet left the nest. Kikira mate for life, and have about one pup every other year, with twins being very rare.
Kikira are friendly toward others of their own kind, but are very very vicious to other species if they approtch, especially if there is a pup near by.

I guess that's enough right now, I could write more, but I'm probably boring you =P

Kikira © Sumitora - 07
These are my original creation. Steal and I will not hesitate to set you aflame.