Shashay are known for their grace and elegance of movement, and their fiery tempers. Most Shashay are content to remain on their homeworld, living among their "Nestclans." However, a few have taken to the star lanes as traders, seeking adventure and excitement.

For many years the ships of the Shashay traveled the trade routes of the Old Republic and the Empire without notice, exploring nearby systems, gathering small quantities of natural resources, and surreptitiously trading with smaller and less established settlements. Their status changed when the galaxy learned what beautiful singers the Shashay are. Ever since then, Shashay have been in great demand as performers throughout the Empire.

The Shashay have also proven themselves to be excellent astrogators, and are often called "Space Singers." Their avian brains easily made the transition from the three-dimensional patterns of terrestrial flight to the intricacies of hyperspace.

The Shashay are very secretive about the location of their homeworld of Crystal Nest, rightfully fearing the Empire would exploit them should it be discovered. Crystal Nest's coordinates are never written down, but kept in memory of Shashay navigators. So strong is a Shashay's communal ties with his homeworld, that every Shashay would die before divulging its location.