T'vaoan

"A new species joins the familiar antagonists: a cousin of the Jackals called the Skirmishers, who are deadly and cunning enemies who attack in packs and flank secured positions."

- Game Informer, February 2010

The Skirmisher is a subspecies of the Kig-Yar.

Description
The Covenant uses them as close-range combatants, attacking in packs and using flanking tactics (as opposed to Jackals, which are often used as defensive and long range combatants). Physically, they seem to be similar to the normal Jackals, but their heads and skin color are very different from their cousins.

The Jackal and Skirmisher are of the same species, with the larger, more heavily muscled specimens comprising grenadier-type units (Skirmishers) and the smaller, more lightly built specimens seeing deployment as dedicated ranger or sniper units (Jackals). This is a significant change from engagements prior to 2530 when mixed units were more common. No reason has yet been given as to why no Skirmishers were seen taking part in the Human-Covenant War after the Battle of Reach.

Trivia

 * Physically, the Skirmishers closely resemble Dromaeosaurs.