Neimoidian pylat bird

The pylat bird was a black-and-white bird with a large crest native to Neimoidia. The bird's wings ended in clawed fingers that helped it climb trees. It was kept to symbolize its owner's wealth.

The species was indigenous to Neimoidia's rainforest-covered mountains. It song was very harmonious, soothing to the ears. The Trade Federation often kept such birds aboard their ships in conference rooms, where their soothing songs would put negotiators at ease, giving them a false sense of security.

When Trade Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray flooded the conference room of Saak'ak with poisonous gas in a failed attempt to murder Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, the gas killed the pylat birds in the room.

Pylat birds were never displayed at the Coruscant Livestock Exchange and Exhibition until the establishment of the New Republic. Following exhibition there, a Sy Myrthian senator of Sy Myrth had a pet pylat bird.

Behind the scenes
The pylat birds did not make the final cut of The Phantom Menace, but were in the novelization as "bird-like creatures."

In Star Wars Galaxies, players can purchase a Neimoidian bird cage, but it does not contain a pylat bird. Once again, the pylat did not make the final cut.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace novel