The Snidget is an extremely rare bird that was nearly hunted into extinction for their use in early Quidditch. They now live in very protected sanctuaries around the world.
About[]
The Snidget is a round gold[1] walnut-sized[2] bird with a very long, thin beak and glistening, jewel-like red eyes. They fly at an incredibly fast speed and skillfully change direction very quickly because they have rotational joints in their wings. Also called the "Golden Snidget", they are not dangerous but they have a high Classification because the penalties for capturing or injuring one are severe.[1]
History[]
The Golden Snidget is incredibly rare because they have been heavily hunted for their highly prized feathers and eyes[1], and for their use in early Quidditch games.[1][3]
In the sixteenth century, Barberus Bragge was watching a Quidditch game when he offered the prize of one-hundred and fifty galleons to the player who caught the Golden Snidget first. Modesty Rabnott was watching and protested Bragge's decision to use the Snidget. She saved it using a Summoning Charm but the damage was done. The addition of a Golden Snidget into the game was a very popular concept and inspired the new position of the "Hunter". Thus, they continued to use the Golden Snidget in subsequent Quidditch games for the Seeker to catch. Once they killed the bird, the game ended and the catcher being rewarded with one-hundred and fifty points for their team. The bird was kept within the pitch with Repelling Spells produced by the spectators.[3]
The introduction of the Golden Snidget to Quidditch, in addition to Snidget-hunting, nearly drove the Golden Snidget to extinction. A century later, their low numbers was finally recognised. To save the species, Chief Elfrida Clagg put the bird under protection, outlawing Snidget-hunting and their use in Quidditch. They now live in Snidget sanctuaries worldwide including The Modesty Rabnott Snidget Reservation which was set up in Somerset. The use of the Golden Snidget was substituted for the Golden Snitch.[1][3]
Notes and sources[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: An A-Z of Fantastic Beasts (Snidget)
- ↑ Quidditch Through the Ages, Chapter Six: Changes in Quidditch Since the Fourteenth Century
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Quidditch Through the Ages, Chapter Four: The Arrival of the Golden Snitch