Nurkses

Nurkses are a fictional species from the science fiction universe of the Mass Effect video game series. They are an avian, or bird-like, sentient species native to the planet Usu in the Athena Nebula. Nurkses are characterized by their slender, bipedal bodies, covered in feathers, and a distinctive head crest. They possess a beak-like mouth and large, expressive eyes.

Physically, nurkses are agile and are known for their keen eyesight. Their avian nature influences their biology and culture, with some aspects of their social structure and communication reflecting avian traits. They are a relatively reclusive species, and direct encounters with them are rare, particularly in the wider galaxy. Their homeworld, Usu, is described as a world with a varied climate and unique flora and fauna, which has shaped the nurkses' evolution.

In the Mass Effect lore, nurkses are not a major playable race or a prominent faction. Information about their civilization, technology, and political standing is limited. They are mentioned primarily to add depth and biodiversity to the game's universe. Their cultural practices and societal norms are largely unexplored, leaving room for player imagination and further potential in future installments of the series.