Professor Birch

Professor Birch オダマキ博士 Dr. Odamaki
Artwork from Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire by Yusuke Ohmura
Age	35ORAS
Gender	Male
Hometown	Littleroot Town
Region	Hoenn
Relatives	Brendan/May (as rival), Mrs. Birch (wife), unnamed son (Emerald only)
Generation	III, VI
Games	Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Anime debut	Johto Photo Finish
English voice actor	Dan Green
Japanese voice actor	Fumihiko Tachiki

Professor Birch (Japanese: オダマキ博士 Dr. Odamaki) is the resident Pokémon Professor of Littleroot Town and the Hoenn region. He specializes in Pokémon habitats and distribution.

In the core series games

Professor Birch chased by a Poochyena in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire, Professor Birch is the resident Pokémon Professor and the father of the rival character (if the player is Brendan, then Professor Birch is May's father; if the player is May, then Professor Birch is Brendan's father).

At the start of the game, he is being chased by a wild Poochyena^RSORAS/Zigzagoon^E, and requests the player take a Pokémon from his discarded bag to save him. After he is saved, he allows the player to keep the first partner Pokémon they used in the rescue. Birch distributes Pokédexes and one of the three first partner Pokémon of Hoenn: Treecko, Torchic, or Mudkip, to aspiring Hoenn Trainers.

After the player completes the Hoenn Pokédex in Pokémon Emerald, he will give them one of the three first partner Pokémon of Johto: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile. In Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, he will give one of the Johto first partner Pokémon after the player enters the Hall of Fame and meets Zinnia. Later, after the completion of the Delta Episode, he will give the player one of the first partner Pokémon from Unova: Snivy, Tepig, or Oshawott. Finally, after the player enters the Hall of Fame a second time, he will give one of the first partner Pokémon from Sinnoh: Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup. He will also give the player the Oval Charm and Shiny Charm when the appropriate prerequisites are met.

He often works with his child to help observe and capture wild Pokémon. His wife worries about him, because he's always busy and rarely has time to come home. He is known to be more outgoing than the other Pokémon Professors, and oftentimes his research takes him outdoors. His field of study is primarily how Pokémon behave in the wild. Birch has known Norman since their school days.

He has also written several books:

• The History of the Hoenn Region
• The Ecosystem of Pokémon 3,000 Years Ago
• The Pokémon of Kalos and Hoenn
• The Coexistence of People and Pokémon
• Distribution of Pokémon Species, National Edition
• The Fieldwork 101

Pokémon

This listing is of Professor Birch's Pokémon in the video games in which he has appeared.

Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald

These Pokémon are given to a Trainer at the beginning of their journey:

Type: Grass Unknown Ability: Overgrow Held item: None Treecko♂/♀ Lv.5 Pound Normal   --       Leer Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --

Type: Fire Unknown Ability: Blaze Held item: None Torchic♂/♀ Lv.5 Scratch Normal   --       Growl Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --

Type: Water Unknown Ability: Torrent Held item: None Mudkip♂/♀ Lv.5 Tackle Normal   --       Growl Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --

Emerald

These Pokémon are given to a Trainer who has completed the Hoenn Pokédex:

Type: Grass Unknown Ability: Overgrow Held item: None Chikorita♂/♀ Lv.5 Tackle Normal   --       Growl Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --

Type: Fire Unknown Ability: Blaze Held item: None Cyndaquil♂/♀ Lv.5 Tackle Normal   --       Leer Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --

Type: Water Unknown Ability: Torrent Held item: None Totodile♂/♀ Lv.5 Scratch Normal   --       Leer Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --

Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

The Generation III first partner Pokémon are available at the start of the game.

Type: Grass Unknown Ability: Overgrow Held item: None Treecko♂/♀ Lv.5 Pound Normal Physical   --       Leer Normal Status   --       Absorb Grass Special   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

Type: Fire Unknown Ability: Blaze Held item: None Torchic♂/♀ Lv.5 Scratch Normal Physical   --       Growl Normal Status   --       Ember Fire Special   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

Type: Water Unknown Ability: Torrent Held item: None Mudkip♂/♀ Lv.5 Tackle Normal Physical   --       Growl Normal Status   --       Water Gun Water Special   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

After entering the Hall of the Fame along with meeting Zinnia, the Generation II first partner Pokémon become available.

Type: Grass Unknown Ability: Overgrow Held item: None Chikorita♂/♀ Lv.5 Tackle Normal Physical   --       Growl Normal Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

Type: Fire Unknown Ability: Blaze Held item: None Cyndaquil♂/♀ Lv.5 Tackle Normal Physical   --       Leer Normal Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

Type: Water Unknown Ability: Torrent Held item: None Totodile♂/♀ Lv.5 Scratch Normal Physical   --       Leer Normal Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

After clearing Delta Episode, the Generation V first partner Pokémon become available.

Type: Grass Unknown Ability: Overgrow Held item: None Snivy♂/♀ Lv.5 Tackle Normal Physical   --       Leer Normal Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

Type: Fire Unknown Ability: Blaze Held item: None Tepig♂/♀ Lv.5 Tackle Normal Physical   --       Tail Whip Normal Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

Type: Water Unknown Ability: Torrent Held item: None Oshawott♂/♀ Lv.5 Tackle Normal Physical   --       Tail Whip Normal Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

After entering the Hall of Fame for the second time, the Generation IV first partner Pokémon are available.

Type: Grass Unknown Ability: Overgrow Held item: None Turtwig♂/♀ Lv.5 Tackle Normal Physical   --       Withdraw Water Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

Type: Fire Unknown Ability: Blaze Held item: None Chimchar♂/♀ Lv.5 Scratch Normal Physical   --       Leer Normal Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

Type: Water Unknown Ability: Torrent Held item: None Piplup♂/♀ Lv.5 Pound Normal Physical   --       Growl Normal Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

In the spin-off games

Pokémon Breeder mini

In Pokémon Breeder mini, after the player finished setting the time and choosing a name, Professor Birch tells them that he found rare eggs. However, he is too busy to take care of them, so he gives the player a choice between a Torchic, a Treecko, or a Mudkip to hatch and raise.

Pokémon Masters Arena

In Pokémon Masters Arena, one of the questions in the Pokémon Trivia Challenge is about which Pokémon attacked Professor Birch. Since this was based on Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, the accepted answer is Poochyena. However, one of the answers considered wrong by the trivia game is Zigzagoon, a Pokémon which coincidentally also attacked Professor Birch in a later game, Pokémon Emerald.

Gallery

Artwork

Official artwork from Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald by Ken Sugimori	Official artwork from Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

Sprites and models

Sprite from Ruby, Sapphire, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire	Sprite from Emerald	Overworld sprite from Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald	Overworld model from Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Quotes

Main article: Professor Birch/Quotes

In the anime

Main series

History

Original series

Professor Birch first appeared in a flashback in Johto Photo Finish, where Harrison told Ash that Birch inspired his latest journey to the Johto region.

Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

Professor Birch in Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

Birch physically debuted in Get The Show On The Road, where he rushed to the Littleroot Town ports in his SUV to pick up Ash and Pikachu. He soon diagnosed Pikachu with an electrical overcharge and treated him at his lab. However, Pikachu's electricity overloaded the electrical absorption machine and he ran off into the wilderness. Ash and Birch chased after him with the three Hoenn first partner Pokémon in hand, as Ash had no other Pokémon on him. During the search effort, Birch slipped down a cliff and disturbed a sleeping Poochyena pack in the process. He scrambled onto a tree branch, just as May stumbled onto the scene. After she was unable to properly order Mudkip to help Birch, he was forced to take over and had Mudkip settle the situation. After Team Rocket incidentally helped Pikachu in his recovery, Birch took everyone back to his lab. Later, he had May select her first partner Pokémon, and she picked out a Torchic.

Professor Birch appeared in flashbacks in There's no Place Like Hoenn!, You Said a Mouthful!, and A Mudkip Mission.

In A Three Team Scheme!, Birch was revealed to have traveled to Dewford Island to conduct field research during the Wingull nesting season. While examining a Wingull nest, he slipped from the sea cliff and subsequently landed on a Loudred. Ash and his friends then came across the Professor and later joined him on his expedition. The group noticed a cave and found inside it a Secret Base belonging to Keanu, but they quickly left after being shouted at. After Team Rocket stormed the Base and stole Keanu's Nincada from him, Birch and the others attempted to confront the trio, but they realized the Base had been tunneled through. They followed the tunnel through to an ancient ruin site, and watched as Team Aqua and Team Magma confronted each other. Birch and the others remained undetected throughout the whole ordeal.

In the following episode, Birch spotted several wild Seedot wandering around aimlessly because of a recent landslide that left them without a home. He played with the Seedot just before Team Rocket appeared again. When Jessie called out her "Silcoon", Birch corrected her, saying Jessie actually had a Cascoon under her possession, but Jessie didn't believe him. May's Silcoon evolved during the confrontation, and Birch later handed May a frisbee to help her new Beautifly strengthen its Gust attack. Later, Birch and the others found an ideal location for the Seedot to drink from, but Team Rocket appeared again to disturb the peace. This time, Jessie's Cascoon evolved into a Dustox, confirming the Professor's earlier statement. After Team Rocket blasted off, and with the Seedot now happily relocated, Birch headed back to Littleroot Town.

The group headed towards Birch's laboratory in A Six Pack Attack. However, the Professor came across them first as he rushed off to pick up Professor Oak, who he was eager to meet for the first time. Ash and Brock went with Birch to collect Oak from the Littleroot Town seaport, but they realized Oak decided to hitchhike on his own and had already reached the laboratory. After Team Rocket stole the Kanto first partner Pokémon that Oak brought with him, as well as Birch's trio of Hoenn first partner Pokémon, Oak, May, and Max gave chase but were captured. Birch received word of the incident and headed over to Team Rocket's cave hideout with the help of his friend, Poochyena. Oak and the others managed to free themselves, and Ash's group then sent Team Rocket blasting off. Ash and his friends later boarded a ship towards Fortree City and waved goodbye to the two Professors and Joshua.

Ash and his friends encountered Birch again as he was relaxing on Island A of the tropical A-B-C Islands in The Evolutionary War!. He explained that he was already aware a Deep Sea Tooth caused Clamperl to evolve into a Huntail, and that a Deep Sea Scale was needed to obtain a Gorebyss, though he was interested in the mystery around these two evolution methods. Ash's group joined Birch on his expedition, and local students Nancy and Keith accompanied them to Island B and Island C, respectively. Birch took water samples at the respective islands and later concluded that Island B's water was infused with Deep Sea Scale and Island C contained Deep Sea Tooth fragments. Birch decided to remain on Island A to continue his research after witnessing both Keith and Nancy's Clamperl evolving from a Deep Sea Tooth and Scale, respectively, while Ash's group left for Mossdeep City.

As Ash arrived home to Pallet Town, Birch and Max had driven over there to attend the homecoming party in The Scheme Team. In the following episode, Birch visited Professor Oak's Laboratory, where Ash's Muk took a particular liking to him. Later, Birch tried to confront Team Rocket, but Delia told him to leave it to the children, who went on to defeat the trio. With Ash and his friends setting off for the Kanto Pokémon Contests and Battle Frontier, the two Professors gifted Ash and May an updated Pokédex each.

Professor Birch in Pokémon the Series: XY

Birch reappeared in another flashback in Reversing the Charges. He also made a brief cameo in The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon, after Dr. Yung revealed he had hacked the computer data of leading specialists, including that of Birch, to help with the construction of his Mirage Pokémon system.

Pokémon the Series: XY

Professor Birch appeared in a flashback in Rivals: Today and Tomorrow!, where he was seen giving Sawyer a first partner Pokémon to choose from, which ended up being Treecko.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

In Battling as Hard as Stone!, Professor Birch was seen watching Steven's Masters Eight Tournament match against Ash alongside Drew and Harley on television.

Professor Birch in Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Character

Birch has a keen interest in field research and likes to study Pokémon habitats and behaviors. Because his line of work requires him to be primarily outside his lab, Birch's assistant Joshua is often left running the lab in his place, doing duties such as giving new Trainers their first partner Pokémon. He is good friends with Norman and was also familiar with Norman's daughter May, as mentioned in Get The Show On The Road.

Personally, Birch is jovial and carefree, but he has a reckless driving style in which he regularly jumps ledges and travels on winding mountain roads. He was also a fantastic mentor, even though he does not like teaching, and he is held in high regard by Trainers like Harrison. He enjoys playing with Pokémon, as seen in Seeing is Believing!, where he quickly understood a group of Seedot and befriended them. However, he often finds himself in precarious situations and is often attacked by wild Pokémon during his expeditions.

Pokémon

の	This article is missing information on this character's Japanese voice actor and English voice actor. You can help by adding this information.

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This is a listing of Professor Birch's Pokémon as of the most recent Japanese episode.

On hand

Unknown Pokémon

Debut	The Right Place and the Right Mime

Birch was seen pulling out a Poké Ball when he saw Team Rocket attacking Ash and friends, but Delia convinced him to let the children do the battling.

Befriended

Poochyena

Debut	A Six Pack Attack!

Poochyena was briefly seen while trying to rescue the Hoenn first partner Pokémon from Team Rocket's grasp. It responded to Professor Birch's whistling and its incredible sense of smell led Birch, Ash, and Brock to Team Rocket's cave hideout.

None of Poochyena's moves are known.

Gives to new Trainers

Treecko

Debut	Get the Show on the Road!

Treecko is a Pokémon that Professor Birch gives to new Trainers. The first Treecko appeared in Get the Show on the Road!, where it was one of the Pokémon that May could choose as her first partner Pokémon. It was not picked due to May picking Torchic.

Another one appeared in A Six Pack Attack! along with the other first partner Pokémon. They were admired by Max and May. Suddenly, Team Rocket captured it along with the other Hoenn first partner Pokémon and the entire Kanto first partner Pokémon line. Max found them and told Bulbasaur and Treecko to use Tackle and Pound, respectively, on the bars. It then helped send Team Rocket blasting off.

Treecko's only known move is Pound.

Torchic

Debut	A Six Pack Attack!

Torchic is a Pokémon that Professor Birch gives to new Trainers. It appeared in A Six Pack Attack! along with the other first partner Pokémon, where they were admired by Max and May. Suddenly, Team Rocket captured them along with the other Hoenn first partner Pokémon and the entire Kanto first partner Pokémon line. Max found them and told Torchic and Charmander to heat the cage with Ember until they got free. It later helped send Team Rocket blasting off.

Another Torchic was seen in a flashback in Rivals: Today and Tomorrow! as one of the choices Sawyer could pick to be his first partner Pokémon. It was not chosen as Sawyer opted for Treecko instead.

Torchic's only known move is Ember.

Mudkip

Debut	Get the Show on the Road!
Voice actors
Japanese
English	Tara Jayne

Mudkip is a Pokémon that Professor Birch gives to new Trainers. The first Mudkip appeared in Get the Show on the Road!, when Professor Birch was under attack from a pack of Poochyena. He asked May to pick a first partner Pokémon from his bag to save him. She picked Mudkip first, but had no battle experience, and Mudkip fired a Water Gun at her. Professor Birch commanded it and it blasted the Poochyena off with another Water Gun. It then appeared later when May was choosing her first partner Pokémon, but she chose Torchic.

In A Mudkip Mission, Mudkip Breeder Old Man Swamp revealed that Professor Birch is also responsible for the breeding and raising of the young Mudkip for new Trainers.

Another one appeared in A Six Pack Attack! along with the other first partner Pokémon. They were admired by Max and May. Suddenly, Team Rocket captured them along with the other Hoenn first partner Pokémon and the entire Kanto first partner Pokémon line. Max found them and told Mudkip and Squirtle to cool the bars with Water Gun, which eventually freed them. It later helped send Team Rocket blasting off.

Another Mudkip was seen in a flashback in Rivals: Today and Tomorrow! as one of the choices Sawyer could pick to be his first partner Pokémon. It was not chosen as Sawyer opted for Treecko instead.

Mudkip's known moves are Water Gun and Tackle.

Gave away to new Trainers

Harrison's Blaziken

May's Torchic

Sawyer's Treecko

At his Lab

Zigzagoon	Lotad	Seedot	Shroomish
Wailmer	Sharpedo

Voice actors

Language Voice actor Japanese 立木文彦 Fumihiko Tachiki English Dan Green Dutch Ewout Eggink (Season 6) Louis van Beek (Season 7-8) Finnish Arto Nieminen (AG001, AG071) Tommi Haapaniemi (AG095-AG133) European French Jean-Marc Delhausse Hebrew עוזי פוקס Uzi Fox עדי וייס Adi Weiss Norwegian Trond Teigen Polish Andrzej Chudy Brazilian Portuguese José Parisi Jr. (AG001) Raul Schlosser (AG027-AG028) Fábio Vilalonga (AG071) Ricardo Sawaya (AG095-AG133) Russian Владимир Герасимов (Vladimir Gerasimov) Spanish Latin America Salvador Delgado (AG001-AG028, AG095) José Vilchis (AG071) Alfredo Basurto (AG133) Spain Pablo Adán (AG001-AG028) Manuel Bellido (AG071-AG133)

GOTCHA!

Professor Birch briefly appeared in GOTCHA!.

In the manga

Professor Birch in Ash & Pikachu

Ash & Pikachu

Professor Birch appeared in Let's Save Pikachu!!.

Gave to new Trainers

Torchic

Pokémon Adventures

Professor Birch in Pokémon Adventures

Ruby & Sapphire arc

Professor Birch losing Treecko

Professor Birch is the father of Sapphire and is old friends with Norman. He first appeared in Making Mirth with Mightyena, where he registered wild Pokémon data on Pokédex before receiving a call from Norman, who had just moved to Littleroot Town with his family. Wanting to help his friend with the move, Birch decided to head back to town, but was attacked by a pair of wild Mightyena. A passing-by Ruby saw the commotion but refused to help at the risk of getting his Pokémon dirty. During the chase, Ruby picked up Birch's bag, but accidentally activated his Running Shoes and ran off a nearby cliff. After returning to town, Birch called Ruby on the Pokégear in his bag and properly introduced himself. Ruby revealed he was saved by a green Pokémon, but accidentally angered it into attacking him, revealing that it was actually a human girl. Overhearing the commotion, Birch cleared up the misunderstanding by revealing the girl was actually his daughter, Sapphire.

In Distracting Dustox, Birch received his belongings back from Sapphire, though Ruby had forgotten to return the Pokédex. Afterward, they called Norman and informed him Ruby had run away from home. Birch suggested calling the police, but Norman decided to find Ruby on his own. Later, Birch wished Sapphire good luck as she set out to conquer all of the Gyms in Hoenn.

In The Beginning of the End with Kyogre & Groudon VII', Birch was caught in a flood caused by the awakening of Kyogre. He had planned on giving Treecko and the third Pokédex to Emerald, the third Hoenn Pokédex holder, but a tidal wave caused him to lose the bag containing them. He was later rescued by Emerald, who didn't mind the loss of Treecko, as he didn't like Pokémon to begin with. In It All Ends Now VIII, Wally returned the third Pokédex back to its proper owner.

Emerald arc

In Verily Vanquishing Vileplume I, Ruby and Sapphire arrived at the Battle Frontier, having been sent there by Birch to assist Emerald protect Jirachi from the armored man, Guile Hideout. Birch revealed to Professor Oak and Crystal that Treecko was also found by Wally and evolved into Grovyle, but was lost when the boy awakened Rayquaza. He expressed concern over Grovyle's whereabouts, completely unaware that it had already evolved into the Sceptile on Emerald's team.

Pokémon

Given away

Aron ♂

Debut	Distracting Dustox

Main article: Rono

Aron originally belonged to Birch. He was given to Sapphire when she was a small child and was named Rono.

Torchic ♀

Debut	Making Mirth with Mightyena

Main article: Chic

Torchic originally belonged to Birch. She was given to Sapphire, who named her Chic.

Mudkip ♂

Debut	Trying to Trounce Torchic

Main article: Mumu

Mudkip originally belonged to Birch. He was lent to Ruby in order to defend himself from Chic's attacks. Afterward, Ruby decided to keep Mudkip and named it Mumu.

Wailord ♂

Debut	Stick This in Your Craw, Crawdaunt! I

Wailord originally belonged to Birch. He was given to Sapphire as a way of getting across the ocean and was named Lorry.

Tropius ♂

Debut	Bubble Bubble Toil and Azumarill II

Main article: Troppy

Tropius originally belonged to Birch. He was given to Sapphire as a way of getting across the ocean and was named Troppy.

Lost

Treecko ♂

Debut	Trying to Trounce Torchic

Main article: Emerald's Sceptile

Treecko originally belonged to Birch. It was meant to be given to Emerald, but was lost at sea due to a flood caused by Kyogre. It was later found by Wally before eventually ending up on Emerald's team.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Professor Birch in Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Professor Birch debuted in PM117, where Red met up with him in Hoenn. In I Won't Let You Lead!!, he challenged Red and his Pokémon to a Magikarp-catching duel and was able to easily win the contest, along with the other competitions he was involved in with Red.

His most recent appearance was in PMHGSS20. He, along with the other professors, were the judges of Clefairy's fight with Giratina. After their battle, Professor Birch got into a brawl with the other professors that was started by Clefairy. After watching the fight that was recorded, they worked together and fought Clefairy.

Pokémon

On hand

Torchic

Debut	PM117

Torchic first appears as the layout of first partner Pokémon that Professor Birch is giving away. In I Won't Let You Lead!!, Torchic was involved in the Magikarp contest where Clefairy tries to push it into the water but falls in instead.

None of Torchic's moves are known.

Mudkip

Debut	PM117

Mudkip first appears as the layout of first partner Pokémon that Professor Birch is giving away. In I Won't Let You Lead!!, Mudkip was involved in a cooking competition where it baked a nice cake from its Whirlpool attack.

Mudkip's only known move is Whirlpool.

Treecko

Debut	PM117

Treecko first appears as the layout of first partner Pokémon that Professor Birch is giving away. In I Won't Let You Lead!!, Treecko was used in the last competition where it had a race with Clefairy. Even though Clefairy was about to win, Treecko was able to get to the finish line as Clefairy got distracted by a noodle stand giving out a snack.

None of Treecko's moves are known.

Released

Magikarp (×30)

Debut	I Won't Let You Lead!!

During the Magikarp-catching duel, Professor Birch was able to catch thirty Magikarp. Afterward, they are released back into the water.

None of Magikarp's moves are known.

Given away

Torchic

Debut	Let's Try To Be Idols!!

Professor Birch gave away this Torchic to Sapphire sometime around Let's Try To Be Idols!!.

None of Torchic's moves are known.

Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire Special Walkthrough Comic!

Professor Birch in the Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire Special Walkthrough Comic!

Professor Birch appeared in the Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire Special Walkthrough Comic!. As with other characters featured in the manga, he was shown highlighting new features and gameplay mechanics introduced in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.

Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire

Professor Birch appeared in Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire. His role was virtually identical to the games, being rescued from a wild Poochyena and handing out a first partner Pokémon to a new Trainer. He is the father of Sapphire and a friend of Norman.

In the TCG

This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Professor Birch in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Related cards Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format. Cards listed with a green background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.
Card	Type	English Expansion	Rarity	#	Japanese Expansion	Rarity	#
Professor Birch	T [Su]	EX Ruby & Sapphire		89/109	Expansion Pack		054/055
		EX Emerald		82/106
		EX Power Keepers		80/108	World Champions Pack		091/108
Professor Birch's Observations	Su	Primal Clash		134/160	Tidal Storm		067/070
		Primal Clash		80/108	Tidal Storm		078/070

Trivia

• A cropped artwork of Professor Birch from Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire can be found as unused internal data in Pokémon Sleep.

Names

Language	Name	Origin
Japanese	オダマキ博士 Dr. Odamaki	From 苧環 odamaki (columbine)
English, Italian	Professor Birch	From birch
German	Professor Birk	From Birke (birch)
Spanish	Profesor Abedul	From abedul (birch)
French	Professeur Seko	From séquoia (sequoia)
Korean	털보박사 Dr. Teolbo	From 털보 teolbo (hairy person)
Chinese (Mandarin)	小田卷博士 Dr. Xiǎotiánjuǎn	From the Japanese name 小田巻 Odamaki
Chinese (Cantonese)	小田卷博士 Dr. Síutìhngyún
Finnish	Professori Birch	From his English name
Polish	Profesor Birch	From his English name
Russian	Профессор Бёрч Professor Byorch	Transcription of his English name
Thai	ดร.โอดะมากิ Dr. Odamaki	Transcription of his Japanese name
Vietnamese	Giáo sư Odamaki	Transcription of his Japanese name

Related articles

• Images on the Bulbagarden Archives

Pokémon Professors Oak (anime • Adventures • Pocket Monsters • Masters) • Elm • Birch • Rowan • Aurea Juniper • Cedric Juniper • Sycamore (anime • Masters) Kukui (anime • Masters) • Burnet (anime) • Samson • Mohn • Magnolia • Sonia (Masters) • Laventon • Sada • Turo Ivy • Cerise • Amaranth • Friede • Krane • P • Hastings • Berlitz • Holly • Tetra • Willow • Bellis • Mirror • Phorus • Fir • Neroli

Non-player characters in the core series games

Hoenn Professor Birch • Mom • May • Brendan • Wally • Wanda • Steven Stone • Wallace • Scott • Mr. Briney • Mr. Stone • Gabby and Ty • Lanette Brigette • Professor Cozmo • Pokémon Fan Club Chairman • Rydel • Winstrate family • Captain Stern • Trick Master • Treasure Hunter • Dock Apprentice • Pokémon Center Ladies • Old guys • Mr. Bonding • Teala • Aarune • Lisia • Zinnia • Looker • Inver • Chaz • Fossil Maniac • Kiri • Memory Girl Team Aqua • Team Magma • Gym Leaders • Elite Four • Frontier Brains • Battle Chatelaines • Gym guide • Name Rater • Day-Care Couple • Stats judge See also: Kanto Professor Oak • Mom (Kanto) • Mom (LGPE) • Red • Blue • Green • Trace • Daisy • Old man • Bill • Celio • Mr. Fuji • Safari Zone Warden • Copycat • Primo • Koichi Pokémon Fan Club Chairman • Erik and Sara • Teala • Mina • Cal • Steven Stone • Maylene • Cameron • Mr. Game • Morimoto Team Rocket • Gym guide • Gym Leaders • Elite Four • Professor's aides • Magikarp salesman • Name Rater • Day-Care Person • Mr. Hyper Johto Professor Elm • Professor Oak • Mom • Ethan • Lyra • Silver • Mr. Pokémon • Eusine • Lance • Red • Kiyo • Baoba • Magnus • Earl • Kurt • Carrie • Dude Mary • Buena • Radio Director • Haircut brothers • Webster • Master • Li • Wilma • Primo • Maximo • Jet • Caitlin • Cynthia • Cameron • Mr. Game • Felicity • Teala Team Rocket • Gym guide • Gym Leaders • Frontier Brains • Kimono Girls • Week Siblings • Name Rater • Poké Seer • Day-Care Couple • Professor's aides Sevii Celio • Bill • Lostelle • Lorelei • Selphy • Teala Team Rocket • Day-Care Couple Sinnoh Professor Rowan • Professor Oak • Johanna • Barry • Lucas • Dawn • Cynthia • Looker • Stat Trainers (Cheryl • Riley • Mira • Buck • Marley) Bebe • Teala • Felicity • Roseanne • Rad Rickshaw • Eldritch • Wilma • Jasmine • Caitlin • Julia • Jordan • Dexter • Keira • Mr. Backlot • Morimoto Underground Man • Mr. Goods • Mr. Fuego • Pokétch Co. President • Dr. Footstep • Pokémon Fan Club Chairman • Helena • Ketch Appy Team Galactic • Gym guide • Gym Leaders • Elite Four • Frontier Brains • Name Rater • Day-Care Couple • Professor's assistants • Stats judge Unova Professor Juniper • Mom (BW) • Mom (B2W2) • Cheren • Bianca • Bianca's father • Hugh • Hugh's sister • Cedric Juniper • Fennel • Amanita Cilan • Chili • Cress • Lenora • Hawes • Loblolly • Charles • Iris • Drayden • Alder • Benga • Curtis • Yancy • Brycen • Sabrina • Pop Roxie Hilbert • Hilda • Nate • Rosa • Ingo • Emmet • Cynthia • Looker • N • Colress • Morimoto • Nishino • Pokémon Fan Club Chairman Team Plasma • Clyde • Gym Leaders • Elite Four • PWT participants • Name Rater • Day-Care Couple • Judge • Magikarp salesman Kalos Professor Sycamore • Grace • Calem • Serena • Shauna • Tierno • Trevor • Alexa • Cassius • Inver • Sina • Dexio • Gurkinn Bonnie • Diantha • AZ • Looker • Emma • Mr. Bonding • Phil the Photo Guy • Memory Girl • Pokémon Fan Club Chairman Team Flare • Gym guide • Gym Leaders • Elite Four • Battle Chatelaines • Name Rater • Day-Care Couple • Judge Alola Professor Kukui • Mom • Lillie • Nebby • Hau • Rotom • Professor Burnet • Molayne • Samson Oak • Ryuki • Mohn Red • Blue • Wally • Cynthia • Grimsley • Colress • Sina • Dexio • Looker • Anabel • Necrozma • Morimoto • Iwao Team Skull • Aether Foundation • Ultra Recon Squad • Team Rainbow Rocket Trial Captains • Island kahunas • Elite Four • Name Rater • Judge • Mr. Hyper • Gester Galar Professor Magnolia • Mum • Hop • Bede • Marnie • Sonia • Leon Sordward • Shielbert • Mustard • Klara • Avery • Honey • Hyde • Peony • Peonia • Calyrex • Ball Guy Watt Traders • Ingredients Sellers • Digging Duo • Camping King Team Yell • Macro Cosmos • Dan • Gym Leaders • Morimoto • Cara Liss • Jack Hisui Cogita • Arceus • Choy • Anthe • Miss Fortunes (Charm • Clover • Coin) • Vessa Galaxy Team • Diamond Clan • Pearl Clan • Ginkgo Guild Paldea Professor Sada • Professor Turo • Mom • Nemona • Koraidon • Miraidon • Geeta • Arven • Penny • Heath Clavell • Jacq • Dendra • Miriam • Raifort • Saguaro • Salvatore • Tyme • Harrington Carmine • Kieran • Briar • Cyrano • Terapagos • Billy and O'Nare Team Star • Gym Leaders • Elite Four • Pokémon League representatives Kitakami Carmine • Kieran • Briar • Caretaker • Yukito and Hideko • Ogerpon • Pecharunt • Perrin • Billy and O'Nare Koraidon • Miraidon • Jacq • Nemona • Arven • Penny • Terapagos • Professor Sada • Professor Turo Blueberry Cyrano • Briar • Carmine • Kieran • Koraidon • Miraidon • Geeta • Rika • Clavell • Perrin • Snacksworth • Synclaire BB Elite Four • Special Coaches • Guidance counselors

Pokémon the Series characters
Protagonists Ash Ketchum (Pikachu) • Misty (Togetic) • Brock • Tracey Sketchit • May • Max • Dawn (Piplup) • Iris (Haxorus) • Cilan • Serena • Clemont • Bonnie (Dedenne) • Lana • Kiawe • Lillie • Sophocles • Mallow • Rotom Pokédex • Goh (Grookey) Rivals Gary • Ritchie • Harrison • Drew • Harley • Morrison • Tyson • Solidad • Paul • Nando • Zoey • Kenny • Conway • Barry • Ursula • Trip • Bianca • Burgundy • Stephan • Georgia • Cameron • Aria • Alain • Miette • Tierno • Shauna • Trevor • Nini • Sawyer • Gladion • Horacio • Hau • Leon • Raihan • Horace • Bea • League Conference participants • Coordinators • Performers • World Coronation Series participants Antagonists Jessie (Wobbuffet) • James • Meowth • Giovanni • Butch • Cassidy • Dr. Namba • Matori • Pierce • Dr. Zager • Gozu • Tabitha • Maxie • Shelly • Archie • Hunter J • Saturn • Cyrus • Mars • Jupiter • Charon • Colress • Aldith • Ghetsis • Barret • Malamar • Lysandre • Mable • Celosia • Aliana • Xerosic • Bryony • Tupp • Zipp • Rapp • Plumeria • Guzma • Viren • Rose • Oleana Professors Professor Oak • Professor Ivy • Professor Elm • Professor Birch • Professor Rowan • Professor Carolina • Professor Juniper • Dr. Fennel • Cedric Juniper • Professor Sycamore • Professor Kukui • Professor Burnet • Professor Cerise • Professor Magnolia • Sonia • Professor Amaranth Relatives Delia Ketchum • Daisy • Violet • Lily • James's parents • Flint • Lola • Forrest • Brock's siblings • Norman • Caroline • Johanna • Chili • Cress • Grace • Meyer • Lana's father • Lana's mother • Harper and Sarah • Rango • Sima • Mimo • Kiawe's grandfather • Mohn • Lusamine • Gladion • Sophocles's parents • Molayne • Abe • Mallow's mother • Ulu • Walker • Camille • Halta Supporting Officer Jenny • Nurse Joy • Magikarp salesman • Todd Snap • Charles Goodshow • Casey • Liza • Sakura • Lance • Clair • Raoul Contesta • Mr. Sukizo • Steven Stone • Vivian Meridian • Robert • Scott • Lilian Meridian • Solana • Brandon • Marian • Yuzo • Rhonda • Cynthia • Reggie • Angie • Looker • Izzy and Cara • Lyra • Khoury • Tobias • Don George • Elder • Alder • Luke • Freddy O'Martian • Ingo • Emmet • Jervis • Virgil • N • Anthea and Concordia • Porter • Alexa • Sophie • Cosette • Clembot • Sanpei • Mairin • Astrid • Diantha • Korrina • Gurkinn • Monsieur Pierre • Palermo • Keanan • Malva • Samson Oak • Anela • Hobbes • Nina • Anna • Laki • Dana • Yansu • Wicke • Faba • Ilima • Acerola • Dia • Chloe • Chrysa • Ren • Parker • Talia • Lei • Danika • Quillon • Hop • Gym Leaders • Elite Four • Frontier Brains • Island kahunas • Many temporary characters Supporting Pokémon Fearow • Ho-Oh • Squirtle Squad • Pink Butterfree • Haunter • Jigglypuff • Mewtwo • Mimey • Lapras herd • Granbull • Pichu Brothers • Lugia • Silver • Delibird • Wynaut • Larvitar • Kyogre and Groudon • Articuno • Deoxys • Lake guardians • Forces of nature • Meloetta • Reshiram • Super-ancient Pokémon • Wooper • Florges • Squishy • Z2 • Guardian deities • Bewear • Toucannon's flock • Stoutland • Oranguru • Nebby • Stufful • Ultra Beasts • Grandpa Forest • Necrozma • Lunala • Shaymin • Mew • Rotom Phones • Pelipper • Thievul trio • Eternatus • Drone Rotom • Legendary heroes • Latias • Recurring wild Pokémon
See also: Pokémon Horizons characters

Professor Birch's Pokémon
On hand:	Unknown
Given away:	Torchic	Torchic	Treecko
At lab:	Zigzagoon	Lotad	Seedot	Shroomish	Wailmer	Sharpedo
Adventures only:	Aron	Torchic	Wailord	Tropius	Mudkip	Treecko
Ruby-Sapphire manga only:	Magikarp

This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.