I'm drawing Pern fan-art again. I've been thinking about the non-draconian Pernese fauna, and have come to the conclusion that there must be multiple species of wherries, each adapted to a particular environment.

All wherries share some characteristics, such as the faceted eyes common (or so I think I heard) to native Pernese land fauna. They all have six limbs: two forearms which can be used to slash or grasp prey, two hind legs for walking or running, and two leathery wings with hand-claws, similar to those of pterosaurs. They have hairy protofeathers, and thus could not have wings analogous to earth birds. I forgot this feature, but one of the books mentioned that they have tail spines, which the males use in display. I guess those might be a bit like the tail-fanning of the turkey or peacock or the ruddy duck, but with more primitive, possibly emu-like feathers. They are all omnivores (well, opportunivores) and will eat whatever they can, including other wherries, even of the same species.

In my opinion, the plains wherry seems like it would be the largest of the wherries. It would be a fast runner, probably a better runner than flier. They do fly, but would need a running start to get airborne. Which on the open plains, there is plenty of room for that. They nest in skybroom trees. I based it off of the ostrich in color-scheme. Because Pernese fauna have green blood, there would be a faint greenish tinge in the wingsails and featherless neck.

Pern and all its inhabitants of any species are (c) to Anne McCaffrey. Limited fan-art and fan-fic use is allowed, best to check her website for details.