White, mute, and almost blind, the odd, fungus-eating chamber bird (S. "aew samman") was one of the many strange inhabitants of Moria. They sought out the fungus by their remarkable sense of smell (odd indeed for a bird) and noteed enemies by their inaudibly high cries, in the manner of bats. Their large, gaping beaks had serrated edges and their bluish talons were both sharp and strong. Totally herbivorous (primarily fungivorous), they rarely attacked animals unless surprised or starving (some instinct for meat seemed to remain from some predacious ancestor).