Rito

The Rito are the race of peaceful, anthropomorphic birds that inhabit Dragon Roost Island, the volcanic island located in the Great Sea (The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker). The Rito worship the Sky Spirit, Valoo, just as the Zora worshipped Jabu-Jabu in Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The Rito are not aboreal by nature. They gain their wings by obtaining a scale from Valoo.

The Rito-Zora Evolution Theory
There is a strong theory to suggest that the Rito evolved from the Zoras.
 * 1) The Wind Waker hints that they may have evolved, or interbreed, with, or from, humans. The Rito who sorts the mail looks identical to the mail man from Majora's Mask and his description under his statue hints that they are related, or that he was re-incarnated as a Rito.
 * 2) The fledglings grow wings when they get a scale from Valoo, indicating that their being bird-like is an affectation.
 * 3) The Rito have the same monarchical system as the Zora.
 * 4) Most tellingly, the Earth Sage, Laruto (a Zora) indicates that her descendant is Medli (a Rito).
 * 5) The Zora's Sapphire symbol is seen on Medli's clothes and other places on Dragon Roost Island.
 * 6) The facial and body design of the ritos is very similar to that of the zoras, even their wings slightly resembling the fins of the zoras.

Not only have these beautiful creatures adapted to their lifestyle of flight, but they also serve as the mailmen for their mobility and fast-paced travel. This is the most important part of their lifestyle and the majority of their home island is dedicated to this task.

Notable Rito

 * Rito Chieftain- the leader of the Ritos.
 * Prince Komali- The chieftain's son.
 * Medli- The sage of the earth.
 * Quill- Mail deliverer and friend