Steel-Beaked Eagles…
These grey-winged creatures with metallic features weren't considered powerful beasts in Pangea but weren't too weak either. The majority of them could only reach Rank 2 upon adulthood. Only a few exceptions make it to Rank 3 in their lifetimes.
Such a level of strength posed no threat to Vaan.
Even Jihaad could safely cross their territory as long as he didn't go out of his way to provoke their entire group. As for the regular warriors, they had to execute much more caution when crossing the Thundering Highlands; they had to make use of the rock pillars as covers to stay out of sight.
After all, they were not necessarily strong enough to ensure a swift kill once a Steel-Beaked Eagle spotted them.
If they couldn't kill a Steel-Beaked Eagle before it summoned its kin, they could only await death.