Creature:Skawk

Skawks are medium-sized sentient birds that occupy a small number of planets in the Sol Arm of the Milky Way, although they have extensive expat communities without the galaxy. There is little, if any, sexual dimorphism; both sexes display vibrant, yellow plumage that covers most of their body, other than their pointed beaks and the end of their cream-scaled arms. Hatched as featherless, flightless, defenseless chicks, newbord skawks quickly develop their first coat of grey, downy feathers, which is normally replaced by the adult plumage between the ages of 9 and 10 years.

Evolved from flock animals, the skawks are creatures of strong culture and society, usually inhabiting megacities, or large ethnic enclaves within cities built by other species. In general, the species is united by their religion, worshipping the great Goddess 'Tesla' although, historically, the unconventional faith has led to high incidences of extremism within the population.

Although they are weak creatures, the Skawks excel at designing and manufacturing fighters for combat in both air and space. Although they historically had a large, powerful empire, the skawks have recently dwindled in influence, partly due to a resurgence of smaller empires nearby, and partly due to an unfortunate mishap with a species eradicator.