Nithorn

Last Updated: 02/13/2026

Name: Nithorn

Classification: Avian

Homeworld: Unknown

Coloration: Orange, Green, and/or Gray

Biology: The Nithorn were a humanoid species originating from a currently unidentified world. They had wrinkled orange or green skin covered in various mottled warts, veins, and feathers. They stood anywhere from 1.8 to 2 meters in height on average, and had a thick chest, legs, and arms. Their hands possessed three massive digits each, as did their feet, although their toes also features large talons. Their neck was relatively undefined, and their massive lower jaw and head were covered in layers of wrinkles. They possessed a fleshy, beak-like mouth, which possibly made it difficult for them to pronounce or speak Galactic Basic Standard, although this is unconfirmed. The area around their beak was generally a different color than the rest of their body, being shades green if they are mostly orange, and vice versa.

Their eyes were tiny and scrunched between the wrinkles covering their face, and they had two small nostril slits above their beak and directly between their eyes. The very top of their head was adorned with an assortment of feathers and quills varying in color, size, and length. This jumbled crest extended up and back from their craniums, with the longest of the feathers hanging down over their back. This species clearly evolved from some sort of bird or bird-adjacent creature in the distant past, but has since lost many of their avian characteristics, including any prior ability to fly.

Lore: Essentially nothing is known about the Nithorn as a whole, as only a handful of instances have been observed so far. We do know that they had access space travel, integrated into the greater galaxy by the time of the Galactic Civil War, and may have have been a somewhat wealthy species overall. But unfortunately, until (or even if) we receive any further information about the Nithorn or their homeworld, that final point remains speculation.

Continuity: The Nithorn only exist within the current Star Wars Canon, being introduced in “Episode VIII: The Last Jedi” during the Canto Bight sequence and appearing infrequently afterwards.

Unexplored: As stated above, most everything about the Nithorn species remains completely unexplored. As always, we have our basic species worldbuilding/exploration such as society, culture, traditions, history, and allegiances. But what I’m most curious about with the Nithorn is their economy and possible services, exports, or other ways of accruing wealth. If we are to assume that they are an intelligent and wealthy people (again, mostly speculation at this point), then the question becomes, “why?” What might they or their homeworld offer the rest of the galaxy. And for that matter, what about their homeworld caused them to lose most of their “valuable” avian characteristics? Was it because more land masses became available, or was it simply due to sheer laziness.

Of course, in regards to galactic history, it would also be nice to know if the Nithorn were a part of the Republic. Did they ally themselves with the CIS, did they choose to remain neutral, or were they even discovered by the Clone Wars era? Did they suffer any at the hands of the Empire, did they approve of or even care about the New Republic, and did any Nithorn become rebel fighters or even have the combat prowess to do so? If Birren is any indication, it would seem like they were unaffected by the First Order, and in fact, may have profiteered off of war somehow. These are all things to think about when exploring this species, along with many more individualistic traits and bits or lore that would add to their characterization.

Additional Notes: I’m currently pretty impartial to the Nithorn’s design (although I like the concept art below a fair bit), and the lack of any expansion, even after almost a decade, doesn’t really help. If you’re looking to include a much more interesting (both visually and lore wise) avian species in your own work, possible one that has flight capabilities, then I would suggest something like the Rishii or Sathari. There are also quite a few flightless sentient races like the Omwati or Livorno, although I suppose the only way to make a species more worthy or recognition or appreciation is to continue featuring them in things that would continue to flesh them out. It’s an interesting cycle, but ultimately I am in favor of seeing more of the Nithorn someday soon!

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