Exploring Bird-Inspired Pokémon from Generation III
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Generation III
Pokémon Generation III introduced a remarkable array of 135 new Pokémon along with significant gameplay changes. This era marked the introduction of abilities, which are unique traits that Pokémon can possess beyond the moves chosen by players during battles. Among the new additions were several avian-themed Pokémon. In this article, we will explore these bird-like creatures and their closest real-world counterparts.
Section 1.1: Taillow and Swellow
Taillow and Swellow are designed with a striking resemblance to swallows, evident in their forked tails.
The color scheme of Taillow features dark blue feathers with a red upper breast and white accents, reminiscent of the Welcome swallow.
This species is known for its metallic blue-black upper body and light grey underbelly, along with a rusty hue on its forehead and throat. Welcome swallows are agile in flight, often catching insects mid-air and even drinking while flying by skimming the surface of water.
Swellow, the evolved form of Taillow, maintains a similar appearance but exudes a more assertive demeanor with its prominent crest and broader tail. Its pose may have been inspired by the swallow-tailed kite, a bird of prey known for its distinctive tail design.
The first video titled "A LEGENDARY BIRD Pokemon Of EVERY TYPE?" explores the unique characteristics of various legendary bird Pokémon and their real-world inspirations.
Section 1.2: Wingull and Pelipper
Wingull, another bird-like Pokémon, is characterized as a dual-type Water/Flying Pokémon that resembles an adorable, simplified seagull.
Among the various seagull species, the black-tailed gull shares a similar beak with Wingull, featuring a yellow base and a black tip.
Wingull evolves into Pelipper at level 25, a name derived from pelicans, with some influence from the terms "skipper" (a ship's captain) and "flipper" (a term for swimming appendages).
While pelicans don’t have flippers, they possess a distinctive pouch for scooping food, leading to Pelipper’s design likely being inspired by the great white pelican.
These pelicans are highly social and often fly in impressive formations, whether in lines, circles, or V-shapes.
Chapter 2: Swablu and Altaria
The second video, "The History and Lore of the Legendary Birds!", delves into the fascinating stories and backgrounds of legendary bird Pokémon.
Section 2.1: Swablu's Inspiration
Swablu is a Normal/Flying Pokémon resembling a fluffy blue bird, evoking images of cotton or clouds.
Its eye-catching appearance and color bear similarities to the ultramarine lorikeet, an endangered species native to the Marquesas Islands.
Furthermore, Swablu's French name, Tylton, might reference Maurice Maeterlinck's play "The Blue Bird," which follows siblings on a quest to find a mythical bluebird symbolizing happiness.
Section 2.2: The Evolution of Altaria
Altaria, the final evolution of Swablu, stands out as the only Dragon-type Pokémon evolving from a Normal-type.
Although it strays from the traditional bird-like appearance of its predecessor, Altaria is said to be inspired by the mythological Peng, a giant bird that transforms from a fish, which may explain its affinity for water-type moves.
Section 2.3: The Torchic Evolution Line
The fire-type starter Pokémon line showcases the journey of a courageous bird—a chicken. It begins with Torchic, which players can choose alongside Water and Grass-type starters.
Torchic evolves into Combusken, which adopts a more assertive posture. This evolutionary line draws inspiration from chickens as well as the mythical Basan, a fire-breathing creature resembling a large chicken.
Basan is depicted as a large chicken capable of breathing ghostly flames that burn without heat.
The final form, Blaziken, is a dual-type Fire and Fighting Pokémon, referencing fighting chickens, notably the Shamo breed from Japan.
