A reptilian Bird Wyvern first discovered in the New World by the Research Commission with some members of the species appearing in the Old World. Pukei-Pukei somewhat resemble that of chameleons, with limited color-shifting capabilities, and eyes similar to that of a frogs. Its wings are covered in green scales that resemble feathers that vary in color across its body, except the underbelly which is instead covered with white osteoderm-like plating. Even with a more reptilian nature, it does possess vibrant feathers at its wings and neck. The most striking features of a Pueki-Pukei is its prehensile tail and large long tongue.
The species is known to live deep in the Ancient Forest, however, some have been discovered living on the outskirts of the Ancient Forest near the Wildspire Waste. An interesting note is that Pukei-Pukei are believed to have been tree-dwelling monsters before the arrival of Raths to the New World, which forced them out of the canopy and onto the ground. Furthermore, some populations have been discovered in the old World, yet it is unsure how this species had arrived.
Pukei-Pukei have been observed storing properties of its food in its mouth and tail to create a noxtious poison. It can spew this poison from its mouth and tail as both a spit or gas. This poison is used as a form of protection with the effects of its poison differing depending on its previous meal, for example, when a Pukei-Pukei consumes Scatternuts, its poison can then stun when spat out as the nuts pop open. This combined with attacking with its tail, powerful tongue, and feet, it can prove itself a challenge for beginning hunters.
Pukei-Pukei are known as bullies of the forest, as they bully around smaller monsters such as Kulu-Ya-Ku. However, at the sight of a larger monster, they cower in fear and flee, their feathers turning brown. Pukei-Pukei are neutral monsters, only attacking hunters if it feels threatened or outright attacked. When enraged, its feathers turn red. When fatigued, its vibrant colors fade and its eyes narrow. Pukei-Pukei are herbivores, primarily eating plants and even fungi found in the Ancient Forest (sometimes native Wildspire Waste plants if living in the area) such as Scatternuts, Sporepuffs, and Poisoncups. Some report Pukei-Pukei eating stones, either for using as poisonous projectiles or possibly to help digest food. Plants found deep in the Ancient Forest adapted hard shells to protect their seeds from the humidity, but this leads to low germination rates as the seeds cannot leave these shells. Luckily, Pukei-Pukei feed on these plants and spit out the seeds, increasing germination rates and further growing the Ancient Forest. Inside the feathers of Pukei-Pukei are small crystals reflect light, and by shifting the position of its feathers it can change their colors. The changing colors of its feathers and even its face reflect on the monsters emotions. Examples include brown feathers and partially closed eyes signify fear while red feathers signify anger. Its long tongue can be stuck out freely by pushing its hyoid bone forward and stretching its rubbery muscles. The tongue can reach four meters long or more, primarily used to grab plants for consumption or as a weapon. A Pukei-Pukei's main defense is its poison sac which stores the collected toxins and materials from its meals. It can spit globs of poison at enemies and its smart enough it seek out specific plants to consume during battle in order to increase the effectiveness of its poison, such as Scatternuts. Plant matterial used in such a way is stored in its lower jaw and mixed with its poison. The mixing of its poison and plant material produces a toxic gas within its body. This gas dissolves in its poison sac and accumulates in its tail. Pukei-Pukei can fire this gas from the end of its tail as a secondary defense. An odd characteristic of the species is that they possess zygodactly feet, which are feet that possess two sets of two toes wich one set at the front and one at the back. Zygodactly feet are good for grabbing and perching on thin objects such as tree branches. This characteristic has led to speculation of the species having originally been tree-dwelling monsters in the past. It is also speculated that the reason Pukei-Pukei are no longer in the canopy is likely due to the rath species entering the Ancient Forest and claiming the canopies as well as the Elder Dragon Kushala Daora, a monster capable of controlling wind and has been spotted in the Ancient Forest. Pukei-Pukei are believed to be brood parasites. Instead of caring for their own young, they instead lay their eggs in Mernos nests when they aren't around. However, once the eggs hatch, they are not further cared for by the Mernos and instead leave the nest and care for themselves, learning how to fly and feeding.