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Yolubilis Heron

As tall as a tree, this dark gray bird stands on long legs. Its curved neck supports a sleek head with a slim but wicked beak.

Yolubilis Heron CR 6

Source Pathfinder #97: In Hell's Bright Shadow pg. 83
XP 2,400
N Huge animal
Init +6; Senses low-light vision; Perception +5

Defense

AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 16 (+2 Dex, +8 natural, –2 size)
hp 68 (8d8+32)
Fort +10, Ref +8, Will +3

Offense

Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (average)
Melee bite +10 (2d6+9)
Space 15 ft., Reach 15 ft.
Special Attacks sneak attack +2d6

Statistics

Str 22, Dex 15, Con 18, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 9
Base Atk +6; CMB +14; CMD 26
Feats Hover, Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Stealth), Snatch
Skills Fly –2, Perception +5, Stealth +7
SQ still predator

Ecology

Environment temperate rivers and swamps
Organization solitary, pair, or stand (3–8)
Treasure none

Special Abilities

Still Predator (Ex) A Yolubilis heron has the ability to stand perfectly still for hours at a time while awaiting prey, making it easy to mistake the bird’s legs for slim tree trunks. A Yolubilis heron can use the freeze ability while adjacent to trees or any vegetation that could conceal its upper body. While standing in water, it can use the freeze ability against submerged creatures. Other creatures with low Intelligence scores or poor senses might be tricked by this ability as well.

Description

Named so because they inhabit the banks of the Yolubilis River, these enormous herons hunt in similar ways as their smaller cousins, black herons. These birds can stand still at the edge of the river for hours, curling their wings in such a way as to create shaded areas that their prey unwittingly enter seeking shelter, thinking that they have found a tree or other source of respite from the heat of the day. Many Yolubilis herons stand in water long enough that they grow algae on their legs, deepening the illusion of a tree growing along the riverbank. Some travelers have reported Yolubilis herons stitching fallen foliage into their feathers to complete their attempt at camouflage.

Once their prey comes nearby, the herons then lash out, snatching up the unwary prey. These birds typically stand upward of 20 feet tall—their legs make up almost half of this height. They weigh 600 pounds and have a wingspan of over 35 feet.