Angaunaiwëli

Found virtually anywhere in Middle-earth, save in the coldest climes, the angusaiwë is the most resilient, advanced, and common of the larger rávatsar. This is due to the fact that they are, unlike any other reptile or amphibian, warm-blooded. The angusaiwé1i constitute a unique branch of the rávatsar and are closely related to flightless birds; thus their name.

Detailed Description
There are nine species of angusaiwéli. All are deep grey or black in color and have bright red eyes. The only notable distinction in the family is between those that run on four legs (three species), those that run on two legs (five species), and those that hop (one species). The former group consists of the species that live near the water, especially along rocky seashores. All other angusaiwéli have exaggerated hind legs and walk upright, using their tails for balance. Astoundingly agile, they can travel over rugged terrain at speeds exceeding 35 miles an hour. The leaping unbird found in Khand and Chey is the slowest of these creatures; however, they are astoundingly efficient and need less water and sustenance than other angusaiwéli.

Poisonous carnivores, unbirds hunt lizards, frogs, birds, large insects, and small mammals. They have very sharp teeth and curving, retractable, viper-like fangs. When facing most foes, though, they bite their prey while keeping these foreteeth hidden in pockets in their upper jaw. Angusaiwéli prefer to swallow their victims whole. Against larger foes, they can bear their hollow, needle-like fangs and puncture the unfortunate beasts' hides, injecting a potent (3rd lvl) venom that immobilizes (1 -100 rds with RR failure 01-65) or kills (in 1-10 rds with RR failure of 66+).

Aside from its great speed, an angusaiwë relies on its cunning and horny body armor in combat. It has a ridge of pointed scales that protects its spine, and the scales on its back and sides are, as its name suggests, as tough as iron.