Rito

The Rito are the race of anthropomorphic birds that inhabit Dragon Roost Island, the volcanic island located in the Great Sea in The Wind Waker. The Rito serve the role of mailmen, as they, because of their ability to fly, are most suited for that job. As such, a big part of their island is used as a Post Office.

Eiji Aonuma confirmed that the Rito were indeed evolved Zoras in the instruction manual for Zelda Box.

History
The Rito began their history as the Zora tribe, with whom they share their social organization and symbols. It is currently unknown if their transformation was magical or the result of cross-breeding and other natural evolutionary processes. The Rito were not always creatures of the sky, and the Grappling Hook is a remnant of those days. The Rito still aren't aerial beings by birth; they need to get their wings from the Sky Spirit, Valoo, by visiting him and receiving a scale from him. This also seems to serve as a sort of coming-of-age ritual.

The Rito are the safekeepers of Din's Pearl. Prince Komali had Din's pearl and would not give it to Link instantly because Link had not proved his worth. Later on, when Link cleared the Dragon Roost Cavern, Prince Komali thanked Link for his efforts and gave him the pearl.

Society
The Rito worship the Sky Spirit Valoo, and appoint an attendant to take care of him. At the time of The Wind Waker, this attendant was Medli. These attendants were also revered as teachers. The leader of the Rito people is their Chieftain.

Anatomy
Rito are very similar in appearance to the Zora from which they are descended. In addition to that, they also share a lot of anatomy with the Hylian race. They have pointed ears, a human structure, and speak modern Hylian language. The main characteristics of a Rito that make them different are their beaks and wings. In place of a nose, Rito have a large orangish-yellow beak. This does not function as a mouth, however, as they have a mouth just below it. It appears to just be the shape their nose takes. This often extends all the way up between their eyebrows. Also Rito have wings which they use to fly. Most Rito let their wings dangle like "sleeves" out from under their clothes when they are not flying. When they do fly, their arms and "sleeves" transform into one set of wings. Their feet also turn into talons, which they use to carry things. This is made clear when Quill and Komali carry Link.

Trivia
The name Rito seems to be a play on the Japanese word "tori" which means "bird" ("Rito" is a reversal of the characters "to" and "ri"). They also might be inspired by the Watarara, a much more birdlike race that appeared in the Ocarina of Time manga. The name might also be inspired by Ruto, the Zora princess from Ocarina of Time.

Medli has trouble flying in rough winds. This could be connected to the fact that she is the only Rito (besides the cheiftain) who does not appear to have wings hanging from her sleeves.