I did some editing to Skyler's sketch of my 'sona to help illustrate the look that I am trying to achieve. The editing was done in MS Paint so it is not particularly good quality but it should be a useful reference for future sketches and for eventually finishing this picture. This edit is for development work and will eventually be removed.
--I made the finger pads smaller and less pronounced.
--I made the claws more curved and pointed (somewhat cat-like).
--I drew some straight lines to show the ideal size for his chest tuft.
Things I have not tried to show by edits (yet):
--Armband a bit thinner and less stylized, more like a small creature.
--Amulet detail (available here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/11886539/ )
These photos of real animals are a good starting point for colors:
--Golden Jackal photos: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/11452073/
--Long-Legged Buzzard photos: http://www.arkive.org/long-legged-b.....ge-G54556.html , http://www.arkive.org/long-legged-b.....ge-G53117.html

The original sketch by Skyler-Ragnarok can be found here: http://www.furaffinity.net/full/11535569/