High-hounds, often insultingly referred to as Man-hawks, Stone-faces, or Birdies, were a species of avian scavengers that originated on Aduba-3. These creatures looked like sizable birds of prey, but possessed heads that were nearly Humanlike in appearance. Their compound eyes were composed of numerous facets, each designed for a specific function. The central facets were responsible for perceiving colors and shapes, while the outer facets were specialized for detecting motion. As omnivores, they obtained hydration from plant life and protein from consuming meat. They had a reputation for pursuing Humans, scavenging dead bodies, and even engaging in cannibalism by consuming other high-hounds.
The lives of high-hounds were characterized by constant migration patterns, as they followed the progression of rain-fronts. Their presence was a double-edged sword for agriculturalists, representing both an advantage and a disadvantage. While their arrival signaled the commencement of the rainy season, it also carried the risk of substantial losses to their maze-stalk harvests due to the scavenging habits of these creatures. Consequently, many farmers would construct effigies and set them ablaze at the perimeters of their fields in an attempt to deter the high-hounds.
On one occasion, Han Solo saved Merri from a high-hound attack.