SOLVED. Sci-Fi with bird aliens. [s]

[Misha]

I read 2 book from this series a few years ago. This is some of what I remember:
Bird-like aliens (2-headed?) are escaping the galaxy because there is a chain reaction of super novas threatening to kill everything. They have captured/enslaved humanity (possible after destroying Earth) but they are forced to work together to avert mutual destruction (or they are just making them help). Also, the bird aliens have major anxiety/fear issues that has forced them to act against any perceived threat to their civilization in major ways (hence the situation with humanity)
Also, there is a race of aliens (which are some sort of proto-humans) that are super geniuses, but are constantly warring so their technology isnt as good as the other races. When they do come across any other species, they can out smart them using their own technology.
There are a few more details that I remember but they dont seem very major.
Does anyone have any clue what the book are called or who the author is?

[Andy]

This sounds like Larry Niven's universe - the puppeteers are cowardly two-headed aliens that have humans working for them, and the Pak Protectors are related to humans, super-smart and always warring with each other. I suspect you read the recent series by Ed Lerner and Niven, which started with Fleet of Worlds Fleet of Worlds

[Misha]

Aaaah yes that is it!!! Thank you :)

[Andy]

Great. Glad to help.