The loose tribal clusters of the Rishii, or "nests," are made up of a small number of family groups. Neighboring nests live in peaceful harmony, respecting the territory of other Rishii tribes. Their peaceful coexistance has been extended to the humans and aliens who have set up cities and a spaceport in Rishii's lowlands. Though the Rishii do not understand why these strangers want to live in the most undesirable parts of the planet, they do not object to their presence. In fact, a few of the nests have started to trade with the strange, wingless ones. They are most interested in the shiny rocks which allow the wingless ones to fly.

Rishii have an uncanny knack for languages. They can learn new languages quickly, though their methods are sometimes misunderstood by non-Rishii. The Rishii learn by mimicking the sounds made by newcomers. They can produce the words perfectly, sounding exactly like the person they are mimicking. To the Rishii, this is leaning. To the person being mimicked, it sometimes appears as if the primitive avians are making fun of them. This caused a few problems when the two species first were introduced, but has since been seen for what it really is.

The Rishii hunting weapon of choice is a sling which can be used while perched or in flight. Rishii senses are extemely good, especially sight and hearing. Their nests are open-air perches, either natural or constructed when no suitable formations are available. They have no interest or understanding of modern technology, and those items which have been traded to them have become nest liners and perch decorations - whether they be blasters, credit vouchers or power generators.