Pokémon is celebrated for its iconic and beloved Pikachu. However, the game also features an extensive collection of bird Pokémon from the majestic flying type. 

These enchanting creatures vary in appearance, ranging from charmingly cute small birds rivaling that of fairy type Pokémon to strikingly majestic like dragon type Pokémon, and have captivated generations of players, from 90’s millennials to Gen Z’s. These fluffy birds have been a fan favorite throughout multiple generations.

These winged creatures have become an integral part of the series, providing players with the ability to use assassin-like attacks in battle or the convenience of traveling between different points with ease.

Whether you want to create an entire team of Flying Pokemon or simply add a winged companion to your party, there are many types of these birds to choose from. 

In this post, we’ll explore the 10 Best Bird Pokémon of all time and assess their unique strengths, battle aptitude, and physical appearances, regardless of their diminutive size. 

We implore you to take caution and hold onto something stable, for these Flying-type Pokémon wield wings capable of generating a strong wind and blowing you away, much akin to the shenanigans of Team Rocket!

10. Lugia

The legendary Lugia hails from the second generation of the celebrated Pokémon Gold and Silver game series. It’s widely renowned for its prowess as a dual-type Psychic/Flying Legendary Pokémon, bolstered by its prodigious defense and competent attack stat.

Lugia’s striking appearance artfully melds the features of birds and aquatic creatures, featuring a long, pointed beak and a form reminiscent of a dragon. Notably, its immense wings surpass its own body in size, affording the Pokémon the capacity to gracefully glide through the heavens with unmatched speed and agility.

Note that Lugia’s wings hold tremendous power, capable of obliterating homes with a light flutter. As such, this Pokemon has opted to withdraw from public view and remain ensconced deep beneath the waves. 

It is said that Lugia spends its days in contemplation on the ocean’s depths as its might is simply too immense to bear for most.

Lugia’s signature attack is “Aeroblast,” a powerful flying-type move that can cause massive damage to its target. 

Its moves list also includes many other powerful attacks, such as “Sky Attack” and “Hurricane,” which are also strong Flying-type moves. 

Lugia also gains access to “Hydro Pump,” one of the strongest Water-type moves that can be used effectively against Rock-types that could resist Lugia’s Flying-type moves.

With an impressive list of moves and a knack for weathering special attacks, foes who battle with this legendary Pokémon beware, for their power points may run out without even inflicting any damage.

9. Zapdos

Zapdos is a legendary flying-type Pokémon from Pokémon Red and Blue, the first generation of Pokémon games. Zapdos’ special attacks can immobilize its target while also dealing a ton of damage. This strikes fear in Pokémon across all generations.

It has an electrifying appearance that resembles a bird of prey, with sharp talons and wings that crackle with electricity. In addition, a crest shaped like a lightning bolt adorns its head, enhancing its electrifying look.

Did you know that “Zapdos” is a name most cleverly crafted? A melding of “zap,” the onomatopoeic sound of a sudden electric shock, and “dos,” the Spanish word for “two,” as Zapdos is the second of the three legendary birds.

This flying-type Pokémon boasts incredibly high attack stats and powerful crowd control moves that can help trainers emerge victorious in battles against other skilled opponents. 

With Zapdos by your side, you’ll have a formidable ally to help you explore the vast world of Pokémon since you could also teach it the skill “Fly” and zoom to any places you have been before.

In battle, Zapdos uses its powerful special attacks to deal significant damage to its opponents and prevent them from any attack by inducing paralysis. 

This creature has a variety of electric-type moves on its list. It can unleash a powerful Thunderbolt attack or use Thunder Wave to inflict paralysis on enemy Pokémon. It can also use Discharge to deliver an electric-type attack.

Zapdos’ high speed stat makes it challenging for opponents to land a hit, giving it an edge in battle should they ever survive its high damage and paralysis-inducing electric-type attack.

With the mighty Zapdos among one’s list of Pokémon, one can rest assured in the knowledge that one is equipped to zap any and all challenges head-on.

8. Braviary

This Pokemon’s name is most cleverly conceived, for it intertwines “brave” and “aviary” in a single, resounding word. It’s indeed a fitting name for this gallant and mighty creature, whose wings beat with a ferocity that would vanquish most Ghost or Ground type Pokémon. 

Braviary is a flying-type Pokémon from Pokémon Black and White (the fifth generation of Pokémon games).

It’s an aggressive creature better known for its chivalrous nature, fighting for the protection of friends and extending that same loyalty to its team. 

Undaunted by wounds or the specter of mortality, its scars stand witness to the valor it has displayed in every battle, proving true to the essence of its name. A Pokémon that would never disappoint the player.

With its powerful wing attack and special moves, Braviary can deal tons of damage to its opponents. Its moves list includes: 

• Brave Bird (flying-type attack)
• Superpower (fighting-type attack)
• Air Slash (flying-type attack)

Whether you’re looking to add Braviary to your Pokédex or simply want to learn more about this magnificent creature, it’s clear that it’s one of the most effective Flying-type Pokémon in the game should you ever be faced with Ghost or Ground type Pokémon. 

Possessing in its arsenal wings capable of summoning razor-like wind, Braviary is a force to be reckoned with in battle.

7. Staraptor

A flying-type Pokémon that appeared in the fourth generation of Pokémon games (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver), Staraptor boasts a bad-ass appearance reminiscent of an emo band singer. 

The Pokémon’s wings and leg muscles are well-developed, surpassing even the leg strength of the average gym enthusiast who skips leg day. In addition, Staraptor’s tremendous power allows it to lift Pokémon larger than its own size.

Despite its small size, this Pokémon is highly aggressive and persistent in battle, attacking even larger foes despite injury or illness.

Staraptor’s independence is a testament to its strength and self-reliance, as it chooses to leave its flock and live a solitary life. 

While it may seem like a small angry-looking bird, this Pokémon should not be underestimated in battle. 

It fearlessly targets even the largest and most powerful opponents, undaunted in the face of injury or pain. So it’s crucial not to underestimate this Pokémon, or it may swiftly make your Pokémon meet their end with its razor-sharp wings as it says so long and goodnight.

Its Brave Bird and Quick Attack moves on its list allow Staraptor to do massive damage. This Pokémon will quickly chip away at the life energy of those who would dare challenge it in battle.

6. Ho-Oh

Ho-Oh is a legendary Pokémon with high attack stats and a unique combination of Fire and Flying-type abilities. It first appeared in the second generation of Pokémon games and is one of the legendary birds. It has an appearance reminiscent of a phoenix.

A fan favorite across all generations, Ho-Oh has earned a rightful place among the most sought-after Pokémon, even in the later games of Gamefreak(The Pokémon Company).

It’s also one of my favorites, as I’ve spent a significant amount of time catching it and Lugia!

With an impressive base stat total of 680, Ho-Oh focuses on high HP, Attack, and Special Defense.

Being a flying-type allows it to soar through the skies, making it a powerful opponent against other flying-type Pokémon and birds. Additionally, having a fire attack makes Ho-Oh extremely effective in battles against grass and bug type Pokémon.

Ho-Oh’s signature move, Sacred Fire, deals massive damage with a base power of 100 and a 50% chance of inflicting a burn status effect on the target, causing their life energy to deplete over time.

The burn status effect also halves the enemy Pokémon’s Attack stat. This leaves physical attackers at a disadvantage, as Sacred Fire deals significant damage and dampens their attack power, tipping the scales in favor of our beloved phoenix.

Ho-Oh also boasts a wide array of fiery and soaring moves in its arsenal, bolstering its already impressive offensive might. It includes:

• Brave Bird (flying-type attack)
• Flamethrower (fire-type attack)
• Fire Blast (fire-type attack)

5. Corviknight

Corviknight is a majestic dual type Pokémon possessing both the flying-type and steel-type. It is a bird Pokémon hailing from the Galar region, with an appearance reminiscent of a gallant knight. 

It was first introduced in the eighth generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Sword and Shield. This magnificent creature bearing the appearance of a knight swiftly rose to the ranks of fan favorites.

When it comes to battle, Corviknight is a formidable foe, owing to its impressive attack and special defense stats.

Its flying-type confers a distinct advantage over ground-types, granting it immunity to poison-type attacks and making it a top choice for engaging with these types in battle.

This powerful move unleashes a ferocious blast of wind that can cause massive damage to the opposing team, shattering even the strongest defenses and leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

But what truly sets Gigantamax Wind Rage apart is its secondary effect. On top of its already devastating power, this move can nullify any effects caused by the opposing team’s moves, such as light screens or reflect shields.

Capable of turning the tide of any battle in its favor, we highly recommend using it strategically and with caution, as it requires Corviknight to be in its Gigantamax form. Once you use this, you cannot use it again for the duration of the fight.

Corviknight’s moves list is also quite impressive, with several powerful flying-type moves at its disposal, including:

• Brave Bird (flying-type attack)
• Steel Wing (steel-type attack)
• Drill Peck (some sort of corkscrewing attack)

It also has the ability to learn other moves, such as Swords Dance and Roost, which makes it even more versatile in battle.

If you’re searching for a Flying-type Pokémon that can stand its ground in battle and bring down Poison-type or Ground-type Pokémon with ease, then the knightly bird Corviknight might just be the best choice for you.

4. Moltres

Moltres is another legendary Flying-type Pokémon known with high attack power. It belongs to the distinguished trio of legendary birds alongside Zapdos and Articuno, originating from the first generation of Pokémon, Red and Blue.

Moltres is indeed deserving of being called a legendary Pokémon. As a flying-type, it has a natural advantage over several other types, including grass, bug, and fighting-type Pokémon, allowing it to disperse some massive damage!

Its high special attack power also allows Moltres to use devastating moves with great effect, like Flamethrower, that can inflict burns on its opponents.

When Moltres inflicts a burn, it significantly reduces the chances of its opponent winning as their attack damage is cut in half, and they suffer a bit of damage per turn.

Since the first generation of Pokémon, Moltres has always been one of the most powerful Flying-type creatures. Its wings cause bursts of flames that light up the sky, enough to color the night sky red.

3. Decidueye

Decidueye is a fascinating Pokémon first introduced in the seventh generation of the franchise(Sun and Moon).

As it resembles a bird, it’s easy to assume it belongs to the flying-type category; however, it’s actually a dual Grass/Ghost type. 

This unique typing gives it an edge in battle, allowing Decidueye to be immune to Normal and Fighting-type moves and resist Water, Electric, Grass, and Ground-type moves.

With an arsenal of powerful moves, such as Spirit Shackle and Long Reach, Decidueye can dish out significant damage to its target without even making contact. 

Despite not being a flying-type Pokémon, Decidueye can still learn flying-type moves, such as Brave Bird and Acrobatics, making it a versatile Pokémon.

Decidueye is a remarkable Pokémon that combines the traits of grass and ghost. It bears a striking resemblance to an owl archer, and it can launch its feathered arrows with such accuracy that they can pierce even the smallest of targets from afar. 

However, it is not without its flaws. It tends to be calm and careful most of the time, but it becomes flustered and panicky when it faces an unexpected threat. This leaves it open to attacks from swift and sneaky foes who can catch it off guard, so keeping a safe distance would be a good thing to keep in mind.

Decidueye is a faithful and talented companion for those trainers who can value its distinctive skills and character, a perfect Pokémon for people who love sniping from a safe distance.

2. Articuno

The legendary Pokémon, Articuno, marks the last of the first generation’s regional birds that we shall lay our eyes upon and is also my favorite bird Pokémon. 

This Ice/Flying type is rumored to be the first of the legendary bird trio, as its name suggests a fusion of “arctic” and “uno.”

Articuno’s exceptional special and general defense enables it to withstand attacks from diverse Pokémon and moves, making it quite dependable in the defense department in battle. 

This legendary creature made of ice has a hidden ability called Snow Cloak. When it’s hailing or snowing, this boosts its evasion by a full 20%, and cuts encounter rates by half when traversing said environments. 

Freezing Glare is Articuno’s signature move (specifically its Galarian variant). It’s a psychic-type move that has a chance of freezing your target, dealing significant damage to the target while possibly preventing them from retaliating for a few turns.

 Articuno can also learn several other effective Ice-type moves, such as: 

• Ice Beam (Ice-type attack)
• Blizzard (Ice-type attack)
• Sheer Cold (Ice-type move)

All of these skills at Articuno’s disposal can cause significant harm to any poor soul who dares to face it in battle. 

Moreover, its flying-type abilities, such as Hurricane and Aerial Ace, prove especially useful when in battle with other flying-type Pokémon or those susceptible to these types of moves.

Sheer Cold, in particular, may not deal damage, but it has a 30% chance of causing the target to faint instantly! So this move is very useful as a Hail Mary when things start to look rough.

1. Talonflame

Talonflame stands out as one of the most popular Flying-type pokemon ever. Well, what’s not to love? It looks cool and is both strong and highly competitive.

Introduced in the sixth generation of Pokémon games (Pokémon X and Y), Talonflame has quickly become a fan-favorite thanks to its amazing speed stat and great moves.

Talonflame resembles a falcon, with its striking red-orange plumage covering its head, wings, and chest before it tapers off into a flame pattern. Its grey underside and hindquarters have eye-catching orange spots that complement its appearance. 

This Pokemon’s unique features include a pointed crest atop its head, black-and-yellow mask-like markings around its eyes, and a hooked black beak with a yellow cere. 

Talonflame’s remarkable attributes in battle are not just limited to its head-turning looks. As a flying-type Pokémon, it has the ability to unleash special attacks that can inflict significant damage upon its target.

Talonflame’s Gale Wings ability allows its flying-type moves to have priority, moving first in battle. When coupled with Tailwind, which increases the speed of all Flying-type Pokémon on its user’s team, Talonflame becomes an exceptional addition to any trainer’s team.

This harmonious combination offers both offensive capabilities and team support, enabling Talonflame to deal significant damage to opponents while simultaneously providing a speed boost to its teammates. 

Truly, with its unique abilities and moves, Talonflame is unrivaled as the finest bird Pokémon in the game, making it an absolute must-have for any devoted trainer.

Attack Pros & Cons

Bird Pokémon come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from the adorable Pidgey to the majestic Ho-oh. They offer advantages such as the ability to fly and blazingly fast speed stats. However, it’s essential to consider their drawbacks as well. 

In this section, we’ll examine the pros and cons of bird Pokémon attacks to better understand their capabilities in battle.

Pros

Flying-Type Moves

Their Flying typing affords them access to powerful moves such as:

• Fly – A “Flying type” move that lets the user avoid most attacks in the air.
• Aerial Ace – A move that’s a guaranteed hit, perfect for finishing a low-hp target.
• Brave Bird – A powerful move with high damage at the cost of one’s own hp.

 These can prove devastating to Grass, Bug, and Fighting types.

High Special Attack Or Attack Stats

Many bird Pokémon possess rather impressive Attack or Special Attack stats, which enable them to inflict considerable damage upon their foes. 

Paired with their natural swiftness, these Bird Pokémon could easily dispatch their targets before they even have a chance to react. Quite the formidable adversaries, I must say!

Diverse Move List

In photo: Lugia’s multi type moves.

These feathered friends possess a diverse move list with access to a range of attacks from different types—such as Thunderbolt and Flamethrower—making them unpredictable in battle. They can cover their weaknesses and leave their foes scratching their heads.

Cons

Not Very Effective Against Certain Types Of Pokémon

Steel and Rock type Pokémon possess a remarkable ability to resist the ferocity of Flying-type attacks, thereby reducing the damage inflicted upon them by certain attacks. 

This unique resistance makes them a formidable force to reckon with on the battlefield, putting our cute little birdies at a disadvantage.

Defense Pros & Cons

Pros

Ability to fly

As creatures of the skies, many bird-type Pokémon possess the remarkable flight ability, rendering them impervious to ground-based attacks. 

High speed

It is well-known that bird-type Pokémon are renowned for their incredible speed, allowing them to deftly evade attacks and swoop in and out of battle with lightning-fast agility. 

CUTE!

Rowlet’s cute and fluffy appearance, featuring big round eyes and tiny stature, can cause opponents to hesitate or become distracted in battle. 

This advantage can lead to a swift and powerful strike, catching the adversary off-guard. The cuteness factor can also foster a deeper bond between Rowlet and its trainer, resulting in improved performance in battle.

Cons

Poor defense

Bird-type Pokémon tend to be soft and squishy, making them more vulnerable to physical attacks and reducing their overall survivability in battles.

Flying Pokémon Stat Averages 

• HP: 72.4 (Ranked #8)
• Attack: 81.6 (Ranked #9)
• Defense: 68.4 (Ranked #16)
• Sp. Attack: 77.3 (Ranked #7)
• Sp. Defense: 71.1 (Ranked #12)
• Speed: 85.6 (Ranked #1)¹.

Flying-type Pokémon reign supreme as the fastest of them all, boasting an impressive average speed score of 85.6, which stands unparalleled among all Pokémon types. 

Their remarkable agility and speed allow them to swiftly attack and potentially end a fight before their target even has a chance to retaliate. This compensates for their relatively low HP and defense stats.

Notable Flying-Type Trainers

In the world of Pokémon, numerous trainers have dedicated their skills to training and battling with Flying-type Pokémon. Today, we’ll discuss some of the most remarkable trainers who possess a strong connection with these airborne creatures.

1. Falkner

His team includes a Pidgeotto that is rather shockingly under-leveled, with the rest of his Pokémon hovering around levels 7 and 9 (9 and 13 in Generation IV). Despite this, Falkner is a skilled trainer who should not be underestimated.

Fun Facts

• Falkner is a Gym Leader in Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, and SoulSilver.
• He is the first Gym Leader players encounter and an expert in Flying-type Pokémon.
• Falkner aspires to become the greatest bird Pokémon master like his father, whom he greatly reveres.

2. Winona

Specializing in Flying-type Pokémon, Winona serves as the Gym Leader of Fortree City in the Hoenn region. As the sixth Gym Leader players encounter on their journey, Winona is known for her elegant and graceful style of battle.

Fun Facts

• Winona claims to have a close bond with Bird Pokémon and to have “become one” with them.
• As a skilled and experienced Trainer, Winona has generously shared her knowledge with young Trainers, such as Picnicker Kylee, teaching them the art of battling with Pokémon.
• Winona and Wallace were once in a romantic relationship. However, when Wallace decided to stay close to Winona, it caused their breakup because she felt smothered.

3. Skyla

Skyla is a cargo pilot who also happens to be the Gym Leader of the Mistralton Gym, specializing in Flying-type Pokémon. She bestows the Jet Badge on those who manage to best her in battle.

Fun Facts

• Skyla appears to be wearing an accessory in her hair that resembles the propeller of an airplane.
• Her tendency towards overconfidence and self-centeredness eclipsed her otherwise bubbly personality and impressive battle skills.
• She learned many techniques from her grandfather, Miles, and has a keen eye for detail.

Conclusion

And those are the 10 best bird Pokémon of all time, featuring some of the most legendary and awe-inspiring winged creatures in the series. 

Whether you find the graceful Lugia to be a thing of pure beauty or the fiery determination of Talonflame to be a force to be reckoned with, they would surely prove to be valuable companions to any team.

Related

• Top 10 Best Flying Types in Pokémon Let’s Go

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