Peko-peko

"Then there was the time I stalked a giant peko-peko for ten days. It got away, but for me it was all about the hunt, not the kill. Okay, okay. I really wish it hadn't gotten away. It would make for a better story."

―Walker Luskeske, to a spacer^[5]

Peko-pekos were large, strong reptavians, whose raucous squawks carried over long distances.^[1] They were native to the Gungan swamps of Naboo.^[4] Another breed lived on Nal Hutta.^[6] The feathers of the peko-peko albatross were used in the construction of Reinforced Insulated Sheath armor.^[7]

Impressively sized specimens were known as "Giant Peko-Pekos."^[5]

Characteristics

Peko-pekos congregated in large flocks but generally traveled in pairs and mated for life. Both male and female had beautiful indigo-sapphire plumage, and both were the same size. Peko-pekos had powerful wings and fairly toxic skin and feathers. Most animals left peko-pekos alone, as their toxins caused sharp stomach pains, severe vomiting, and occasional deaths. Not all animals were susceptible, however.^[1] Ironically, the peko-peko's blood contained antivenin for glie-based poisons. They had keen eyesight, clawed wings to help them climb, and a powerful beak that could crush even the hardest of nuts.^[1]

Besides nuts, the peko-peko ate kaadu eggs and small creatures. Certain nuts and seeds would not germinate unless they passed through the peko-peko's gastrointestinal system. They were preyed upon by tusk cats.^[1]

The peko-peko nested in the high hollows of trees. The female laid two eggs at a time. Both partners cared for hatchlings.^[1] Peko-peko couples are formed for life, and each couple lives in its private area, removed from the others. According to Naboo folklore, the rare sight of more than two peko-pekos flying together was a good omen.^[2] The Nook diner on Coruscant served peko peko egg omelets.^[3]

Skilled mimics, they imitated perfectly the sounds of many other animals. Easily taught to talk in captivity, they were a favorite pet of both Gungans and Naboo.^[1]

The Alsakan outlaw Cornelius Evazan conducted experiments on peko-pekos which resulted in the creation of the mutated Toxic peko-peko.^[8]

The peko-peko's skin is toxic, and most predators leave it alone.^[1] Sentient hunters prey on the peko-peko to harvest the amazing anti-venin the animal secretes.^[2] Peko-peko meat was comestible. The cookbook Essential Cooking Skills detailed how to best cook that meat.^[9]

Audio

	▶️ (file info)
	Example of a peko-peko's cry

	▶️ (file info)
	Another example of a peko-peko's cry

Behind the scenes

Concept artist Terryl Whitlatch developed the peko-peko's coloring from the terrestrial peacock and the hyacinth macaw. Its peculiar beak was designed to crack open large coconut-sized nuts. It has claws on its wings, like the South American hoatzin, which gives the bird added mobility in the treetop canopies of Naboo.^[2]