Copperhawks are indigenous to the Whispering Plains and nearby Guldan mountain range and may be identified at a distance by the span of their wings, which are much larger than is normal for birds of prey, often extending to eight meters or more. Most of the smaller animals on the plains are very quick and able to burrow into rocky shale as a defensive tactic at the first sign of trouble, so the Copperhawk has evolved a unique form of predation.

Starting from a great height, when it spots its prey from afar it begins to stoop through the dusty arid winds, plummeting down at tremendous speed towards its victim with its wings stretched behind it. As it falls it gathers a large static charge on its feathers which alternate between copper-lined quills and very soft fluffy material.

Just before it strikes - which is usually the point where its prey can escape - it arrests its fall by suddenly spreading its wings, releasing the built up electrical charge through its ferrous claws, simultaneously electrocuting and cooking the prey without ever touching them. It then settles to eat before moving on.

Unusually for raptors, copperhawks have been known to hunt in groups, a tactic which allows them to tackle much larger animals than normal. While a single copperhawk might be able to catch a goat, three or four of them working together can kill oxen, bears or plains buffalo, securing for themselves large amounts of food before the merciless winter.

They will also attack herds of animals in sufficient numbers. They have been known to strike at humans as well, especially those clad in metallic armour or wielding spears, as such protection makes travellers more, not less, vulnerable to the strange talons of the copperhawk.