Their head shape appears to be more avian than their cousins their skin tone is noticeably darker and not yellowish. High-ranking Skirmishers do wear point defense gauntlets or wrist shields, medium sized ovular shields strapped on to their wrists, to help them deflect bullet and light plasma fire. Physically, they seem to be similar to regular Jackals, though in combat they do not wield large rounded energy shields like the Jackals. The Covenant uses Skirmishers as close-range combatants, attacking in packs and using flanking tactics (as opposed to Jackals, who are often used asĭefensive and long range combatants and assassins).
In engagements prior to 2530, mixed units were more common however, this changed toward the end of the Human-Covenant war. Skirmishers serve as Covenant shock troops, while the more lightly built Jackals see deployment as dedicated ranger or sniper units.
A Skirmisher's voice is more raspy and guttural - this is because they have an expanding voice chamber on their throat. In addition they sport manes of feathers rather than quills. Skirmishers are of the same species as the more common, lightly built Jackals, but they are much faster, stronger and more agile than ordinary Kig-Yar.
