Although the Corvidan Archipelago is ecologically diverse as a whole, the urban landscape of Iryna is inhospitable to all but a few animal species. Greenery is rare, except in Highpark, and little space is available for animals or plants to inhabit. However, some animals have adapted to Iryna's unique environment. The species that Irynians would be familiar with include:
Magpies are an uncommon but not unfamiliar sight in Iryna’s green spaces and plazas. They stand out due to their black, white, and blue-green iridescent patterning. Magpies are culturally respected symbols of wisdom and arcane power, and are the namesake of the Corvidan Archipelago. Magpies are one of the few species that have been observed manipulating magic in the wild.
Rats arrived to the Archipelago on the original settlers’ ships. In modern times, they inhabit the city’s subway tunnels, and like to chew through the mythril rails that carry arcane power to trains. "Rail-rats", as they are commonly called, can reach over a foot long, not including the tail, due to magically-stimulated growth. Rats are sometimes kept as pets, but are considered pests by many.
Gulls are known for being very loyal to both their partner and their nesting site; some pairs raise chicks in the same spot for several decades. Their coloration varies from entirely white to entirely gray, with black markings on their face, neck, wings, and/or tail, as well as black, yellow, orange, or red beaks. Gulls are aggressive opportunist omnivores, frequently stealing food from tourists.
House lizards, more formally referred to as leaf-toed geckos, are insectivorous reptiles frequently found on the walls of Irynian homes. They are recognizable by their light yellow speckled skin, large bulging eyes, and loud chirping noises. Proficient climbers, they can walk upside down and on almost any type of surface, even reaching the city’s second level.
Swifts perch high up on skyscrapers, building nests in any accessible crevices, overhangs, or drainage channels. Nests are made from an eclectic mishmash of city trash, held together with saliva. Architects often design alcoves into buildings specifically to be used as nesting sites. Their only natural predator is Irynians themselves, who view them as a delicacy in gourmet cuisine.
Pikas are small rabbit-like mammals who burrow underneath Iryna’s cobblestone streets, hopping over pedestrians’ feet and clambering over low fences. They can be distinguished from rats by their rounder bodies, shorter snouts, and lack of tail. Irynian pikas are significantly louder than other Corvidan pikas so that their high-pitched warning calls can be heard over the noise of the city.
Ospreys use Iryna’s tall border walls as a perch from which to observe the surrounding ocean, hovering over the docks in search of fish disturbed by passing ships. They are large, with wingspans exceeding 5 feet. They construct nests in high, difficult-to-reach places using driftwood and seaweed. During breeding season, they swoop through the air dramatically to impress mates.
Dogs and cats are common pets, although some continue to be used as working animals. Dogs are primarily used to guard homes, assist disabled persons, and, for larger breeds, as pack animals. Ship's cats are still a treasured cultural tradition, valued for their role in maintaining the rat population. Other less-common companion animals include reptiles, birds, rodents, and fish.