Alicanto

The Alicanto is a subterranean bird inhabiting caves and mines located in the Atacama Desert, Chile. They are of medium size with a metallic plumage of bronze, gold and silver.

It feeds on minerals and ores using its strong sharp beak to chisel away at rock deep underground, consuming all types of precious metals such as copper and gold. They will often gorge themselves on entire veins of gold which renders them flightless and must wait until it has been fully digested before taking flight once more.

The Alicanto is easily visible within the dark caverns it inhabits, as it emits a subtle golden glow that illuminates its surroundings. Its distinctive glow can be used to guide those searching for precious metals, making the bird highly lucrative amongst miners and prospectors.