peko-peko

• Appeared in:
  
  I
  II
  III
  IV
  V
  VI
  CW

• Homeworld:
  Naboo

• Size:
  3 meters long

• Diet:
  Omnivore

• 

From the Movies

A shock of blue against the gray mists and green canopy of the Naboo swamps, the peko-peko is a long-tailed avian with a distinctive cry.

From the Expanded Universe

Over two meters long from beak to tail, the peko-peko lives in the swamp forests, where it uses its clawed wings to make its way through the dense foliage when moving around in trees. Because of its short legs, the peko-peko cannot walk as gracefully as it flies. It has a powerful beak capable of breaking small branches and cracking open the shell of the toxic jute nut, the peko-peko's favorite food.

The peko-peko's skin is toxic, and most predators leave it alone. Sentient hunters prey on the peko-peko to harvest the amazing anti-venin the animal secretes.

Peko-pekos are capable mimics, making them popular pets among the Gungans and the Naboo.

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 is a good omen.

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.