======Diricawl======
=====Creature Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Magical Creature]]
  * **[[Ministry of Magic]] Classification:** XX (Harmless / may be domesticated) ([[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (textbook)]])
  * **Native To:** Mauritius ([[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (textbook)]])
=====Description and Appearance=====
The Diricawl is a plump-bodied, fluffy-feathered, flightless bird. ([[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (textbook)]]) Its appearance is identical to the bird known to [[Muggles]] as the dodo.
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The Diricawl possesses a remarkable and distinctive magical ability: it can vanish in a puff of its own feathers and reappear instantly in another location to escape danger. ([[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (textbook)]]) This innate talent is a highly effective defense mechanism, making the creature almost impossible to catch. This form of teleportation is visually similar to [[Apparition]].
Its gentle nature, combined with this powerful defensive skill, means it poses no threat to [[wizards]] or [[Muggles]], leading to its low [[Ministry of Magic]] classification.
=====History=====
The history of the Diricawl is deeply intertwined with the [[Muggle]] world. [[Muggles]] were once aware of the creature, which they called the "dodo," but they believed they had hunted it to extinction during the late 17th century. In reality, the birds were simply using their teleportation ability to escape the hunters. ([[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (textbook)]])
After the dodo was declared extinct by [[Muggles]], the [[International Confederation of Wizards]] made a significant decision. They chose not to correct the [[Muggle]] belief, allowing them to think the species was gone forever. The Confederation viewed this as an important, if grim, lesson for non-magical folk about the importance of conservation and the dire consequences of exploiting the natural world. ([[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (textbook)]])
=====Role in the Story=====
The Diricawl is not mentioned in the seven original //Harry Potter// novels. Its existence and characteristics are detailed in the supplementary textbook, [[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (textbook)]]. Its story primarily serves as a piece of world-building that provides a magical explanation for a real-world event—the extinction of the dodo. It also illustrates the secretive nature of the [[wizarding world]] and its sometimes paternalistic relationship with the [[Muggle]] community.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * A flock of Diricawls is shown living inside [[Newt Scamander]]'s enchanted suitcase in the //Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them// film. (film)
  * In the video game [[Hogwarts Legacy]], the player can find, rescue, and breed Diricawls within a vivarium in the [[Room of Requirement]]. Diricawl feathers are a resource used for upgrading gear. (video game)
  * The name "Diricawl" is thought to be an anagram or near-anagram of "dodo" and "Lewis Carroll," the author of //Alice's Adventures in Wonderland//, which famously featured a Dodo character. (Pottermore)