Scholars believe the cockatrice originates from the same world as the basilisk, since both creatures can turn flesh to stone. However, they differ in their preferred homes, with the cockatrice favoring the temperate undergrowth, where it primarily feeds on insects and worms. The surroundings of the Free City are known to be infested with cockatrice nests, and it even happens that some specimens venture close to the walls, or go as far as to sneak into the town, taking advantage of the chaos of market days or massive arrivals.