Harpy

Harpy
Perched Harpy, Blurred
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Fābula
Division:	Assecula
Class:	Foemina
Order:	Pitinnae
Family:	Pinnae
Genus:	Harpyiae
Species:	H. Umbrae
Binomial name
Harpyiae Umbrae

The Harpy is perhaps the second most widespread sapient species native to Aquitinia, behind only Mermaids. Their light weight and swift flying speed allows them to reach many lands other Aquitinian species do not even think of, and their near-supernatural ability to cope with filth and disease means that they rarely are unable to find food.

Like Mermaids, harpies can come in different varieties. However, these are much less disparate from one another than mermaid forms are, having a more consistent size range. They primarily differ in the style of feathers that they possess, with the common harpy being crowlike.

Harpies are nearly obligate carnivores, preferring to consume meat, but also willing to filch dairy. However, few Aquitinians mistake them for obligate carnivores as they are extremely well known for their love of bread. Harpies are also capable of consuming other grain based products, but are not as known for that. Some Aquitinians enjoy feeding the more docile feral harpies.

Etymology

Harpies are commonly mistaken as having gotten their name from the nuisance they cause, being associated with the term “harping”. However, their name has far more archaic origins, deriving from an ancient word that had to do with “snatching”. This is mostly likely due to the tendency common harpies have towards theft, usually done in a hit-and-run manner. In the case of more dangerous harpies, some researchers propose that the term may have been more euphemistically, referring to the lives of unaware people being snatched away.