For the most part, the wildlife of an area is ignored. Birds, especially so. But these avian creatures can play a part in games as both background and threats.
Striking a Tone
Birds can be used first and foremost to help set the scene or provide an omen of things to come. Birdsong can be used to represent peace or a place of rest. Warped/warbling birdsong or “chattering,” may be a sign of looming danger. Seeing crows feasting on carrion is a sign of a fresh kill and, perhaps, killer. And, of course, vultures circling overhead provides an easy visual indicating that the landscape is deadly.
Scavengers and Carriers of Disease
Many birds are scavengers and will feast on food abandoned by humans. This can make birds plentiful in densely populated areas, as they clean up trash for both food and to make nests. While potentially beneficial, birds also carry disease which can transfer from birds being used as food, bug/parasite “bites,” or from bird droppings accidentally being swallowed.
Bird Strike and Swooping Season
In games involving flight, the idea of a bird strike could prove dangerous or deadly, especially if the birds in question are a flock. The small damages to the hull, windscreens, or mechanical components can add up quickly. An adventure on land isn’t always that much safer, if the characters are in an area with magpie nests during swooping season.
Toxic
In desperate situations, people will try to eat almost anything. The danger of disease is a low risk when compared to the immediate need to survive. As well as potentially contracting a disease or parasite, some birds are toxic to touch or eat. Desperation, however, is not the only driving force to eat a bird as food. The common quail has long been served on a plate, but people have known of and continue to risk possible coturnism—an illness featuring muscle cell breakdown after consuming quail.
Territorial and Protective
Regardless of the size of the bird, many are either territorial or protective of their nests and will not flee from larger invaders like humans to defend their areas. Geese and swan have developed reputations of being nasty due to their overall lack of fear when it comes to protecting they feel is theirs, often appearing to ignore pain to increase their attack, striking hard with their bills.
Relentless and Large
While they may look odd or silly, the largest of birds are often more dangerous than birds of prey. Cassowarys are considered the most dangerous birds in the world, often followed on the list by the ostrich. Alongside their large brethren are the emu, which were so relentless about their grazing areas, machine-guns would not sway their advance during the Great Emu War of 1932.
Fire-Starters
While only anecdotal evidence has been provided, it is believed that many birds of prey (dubbed “firehawk” raptors) will use small, burning branches from lightning-strike to start fires in areas, driving their meals out of hiding. It’s been further thought that these birds don’t work alone, but in concert. This may not be proven science, but it can make for good gaming scenarios or dangers.
More Resources for Inspiration
If you’re looking for specific birds to use as threats to the party or NPCs, here are a couple lists and articles online that I found useful:
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