The Caladrius

The Caladrius, or Dhalion (Caladrius trochilus) is a remarkably specialized species of plover indigenous to the southern Occident and northern Aphrikus. It is a roughly pigeon-sized bird with pure white plumage, and skin. In flight, it is often mistaken for a white dove.

Behaviour
Caladrias live in cleaning symbiosis with larger animals, grooming them and benefiting by feeding on what they remove including parasites, dead tissue, food trapped between the teeth, and occasionally even blood. Caladrius stomach acid is exceptionally corrosive, allowing them to safely digest harmful bacteria and viruses which would be deadly to other animals. Caladrias have also been known to feed on carrion, insects, worms, and small aquatic organisms.

Distribution and habitat
The Caladrius is found throughout the southern Occident and northern Aphrikus primarily along coastlines, rivers, or some other source of water.

Domestication
Due to their beneficial cleaning behaviour, Caladrias became very valuable domestic birds in ancient times, but due to their high demand, they were only readily available to the highest ranking royalty. Medical use persists to a limited degree to this day, especially in more impoverished corners in the world, but modern medical science has led to a decline in their use.