I have partly based my choices on the videos of the flying animals for JWE2 - both the species shown so far (the Dimorphodon and Pteranodon) are shown with a leisurely, meandering flight pattern. The birds I have chosen all share pretty strong and agile flight capabilities, with those that have shorter, very direct flights (such as toucans, songbirds and kookaburras) not on my list. Although I would love to see them, if they came flying in the manner of the JWE2 pterosaurs I would be disappointed.
These are not in any real order of preference (pictures for those species not pictured so far and not obviously recognisable):
1)
Scarlet macaw - Really, the type of macaw is rather interchangeable but this is probably the most recognisable species; they would probably be the face of an aviary pack.
2)
Bald eagle - Again, any northern eagle (like a white-tailed sea, Steller's sea or golden eagle) would work here, but again the bald eagle is likely most recognisable; they also have the advantage of being found in a larger number of biomes than most other eagles.
3)
Rhinoceros hornbill - My local zoo had these until fairly recently, which is why I've chosen them above the great hornbill; they are an ideal flagship species for Southeast Asian birds and have been kept in walkthrough aviaries.
4)
Snowy owl - I wanted at least one tundra bird and this is really the best option. As well as being recognisable and charismatic, they are actually kept in walkthrough aviaries in a few places.
5)
Rainbow lorikeet - This would add a smaller parrot species which is exceptionally colourful and one of the more charismatic Australian birds; they are also, as mentioned earlier, one of the most common birds for a walkthrough aviary.
6)
Secretary bird - A bird that mainly uses the ground but also has the need for flight would be excellent; this species fits the bill nicely as they nest in tall trees - they can be kept in mixed enclosures both with large mammals and other birds and also live in walkthrough aviaries.
7)
Northern bald ibis - Has a really impressive conservation history with zoos that would represent a species that is found in North Africa, the Middle East and southern Europe.
8)
Inca tern - A more out-there choice, but it is by far the most commonly kept flying seabird in zoos that is often kept in mixed enclosures with penguins; these South American birds also have that charismatic feather moustache.
9)
Lilac breasted roller - Another less-requested species but this is one of the most photogenic of Africa's birds; they would be a good species of smaller bird for the game - extra points if they can land on the backs of other animals.
10)
Greater bulldog bat - I really would like to see a bat. While I was tempted by a fruit bat, I am really taken by these fish-catching bats from Central and South America; they would make a good little section with the giant otter and dwarf caiman, could use a similar feeding strategy to the terns, are bright orange in colour, have a metre wingspan (much bigger than many other microbats) and at least 39 individuals of this species are kept in at least two American zoos, so they would work in terms of them having a captive presence.
My nightmare scenario is pretty much just four birds. Doesn't matter what the four are, but it would be a bit cruel to be given free flight and then have only four animals use it.
But as I said, if it helps the game and makes the community happy, I'll keep my mouth shut about it, as soon as it is announced.