Swellow (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #0276: Taillow	Pokémon	#0278: Wingull →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Swellow (disambiguation).

Swellow Swallow Pokémon オオスバメ Ohsubame #0277 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Normal Flying Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Guts Cacophony Cacophony Scrappy Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Cacophony
Gender ratio Unknown 50% male, 50% female	Catch rate 45 (11.9%)
Breeding Egg Group Flying Hatch time 15 cycles
Height 2'04" 0.7 m Swellow 0'0" 0 m {{{form2}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 43.7 lbs. 19.8 kg Swellow 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form2}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 162 Gen. III-IV Unknown IV 159 V+	Leveling rate Medium Slow
EV yield Total: 2 Swellow 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 2 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint {{{form2}}}
Pokédex color   Blue	Base friendship 70
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Swellow (Japanese: オオスバメ Ohsubame) is a dual-type Normal/Flying Pokémon introduced in Generation III.

It evolves from Taillow starting at level 22.

Biology

Swellow is a large, dark-blue avian Pokémon with a red breast and face. A crest of feathers sweeps back from the top of its head. A blue stripe separates the red markings on its head and chest, and it has a white underside. It has small, narrow eyes, a pointed, yellow beak, and red feet with black talons. Each foot has three forward-facing toes and one pointed backward. Two long, pointed feathers with red tips form its tail and are an indication of good health when standing up straight. Swellow's wings taper to a sharp point. An impressive dive-bomber, it will never miss its target. Additionally, it takes great pride in its glossy plumage and often cleans the wings of other Swellow. It searches for warm meadows while in the air. Swellow preys on Wurmple.

Evolution

Swellow evolves from Taillow.

(For specifics on this Pokémon's Evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)

Unevolved Taillow  Normal  Flying

→

First Evolution Swellow  Normal  Flying

Game data

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness: Swellow is one of the members of Team Tasty, alongside Wurmple. Throughout the game, Wurmple is scared that Swellow will eat him. Only at the end of the game does Swellow realize this. He later reappears as a recruitable character in Super Mystery Dungeon, still proudly declaring himself as Wurmple's teammate.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
Generation III Hoenn #026 Kanto #— Ruby Swellow flies high above our heads, making graceful arcs in the sky. This Pokémon dives at a steep angle as soon as it spots its prey. The hapless prey is tightly grasped by Swellow's clawed feet, preventing escape. Sapphire Swellow is very conscientious about the upkeep of its glossy wings. Once two Swellow are gathered, they diligently take care of cleaning each other's wings. Emerald A Swellow dives upon prey from far above. It never misses its targets. It takes to the skies in search of lands with a warm climate. FireRed If its two tail feathers are standing at attention, it is proof of good health. It soars elegantly in the sky. LeafGreen
Generation IV Sinnoh #— Johto #— Diamond It circles the sky in search of prey. When it spots one, it dives steeply to catch the prey. Pearl Platinum HeartGold It dives at a steep angle as soon as it spots its prey. It catches its prey with sharp claws. SoulSilver
Generation V Unova #— Black It circles the sky in search of prey. When it spots one, it dives steeply to catch the prey. White Black 2 It circles the sky in search of prey. When it spots one, it dives steeply to catch the prey. White 2
Generation VI Kalos Coastal #020 Hoenn #026 X If its two tail feathers are standing at attention, it is proof of good health. It soars elegantly in the sky. Y It dives at a steep angle as soon as it spots its prey. It catches its prey with sharp claws. Omega Ruby Swellow flies high above our heads, making graceful arcs in the sky. This Pokémon dives at a steep angle as soon as it spots its prey. The hapless prey is tightly grasped by Swellow's clawed feet, preventing escape. Alpha Sapphire Swellow is very conscientious about the upkeep of its glossy wings. Once two Swellow are gathered, they diligently take care of cleaning each other's wings.
Generation VII Alola #— Kanto #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VII.
Generation VIII Galar #— Sinnoh #— Hisui #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Sword, Shield, and Legends: Arceus. Brilliant Diamond It circles the sky in search of prey and dives sharply to catch its target. Shining Pearl
Generation IX Paldea #— Kitakami #— Blueberry #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation IX.

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Route 115 Emerald Route 115 FireRed LeafGreen Trade Colosseum Trade XD Citadark Isle (Shadow)
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Route 213 (Poké Radar) Platinum Route 213 (Poké Radar) HeartGold SoulSilver Evolve Taillow Pal Park Field
Generation V Black White Route 13, Giant Chasm Black 2 White 2 Route 13 (Swarm) Dream World Pleasant Forest, Windswept Sky
Generation VI X Y Evolve Taillow Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Evolve Taillow
Generation VII Sun Moon Trade Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Ultra Space Wilds (Cliff World) Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee Unobtainable
Generation VIII Sword Shield Unobtainable Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl Route 213 (Poké Radar) Legends: Arceus Unobtainable
Generation IX Scarlet Violet Unobtainable

In side games

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
Generation III Pinball: R&S Evolve Taillow Trozei! Secret Storage 4, Mr. Who's Den MD Red MD Blue Evolve Taillow Ranger Lyra Forest
Generation IV MD Time MD Darkness Concealed Ruins (B16F-B29F), World Abyss (B9F-B29F), Mt. Mistral (1F-19F) MD Sky Concealed Ruins (B16F-B29F), World Abyss (B9F-B29F), Mt. Mistral (1F-19F) Ranger: SoA Union Road
Generation V Rumble Blast Forest: Challenger's Ground (Post-ending) Rumble U Conductor Room: King of the Sky, Challenge Battle: The Battle for Sky and Land
Generation VI Battle Trozei Island of Haste: Stage 5 Rumble World Starlight Islands: Time-Leap Plains (All Areas)
Generation VII Rumble Rush Snorlax Sea, Rayquaza Sea, Jirachi SeaFinal
Generation VIII MD DX Northern Range (7F-13F) Mystery House: Sky Tower
Cross-Generation Shuffle Galerie Rouge: Stage 73 Masters EX Sync pair scout: Falkner & Swellow

Held items

Games		Held items
Diamond	Pearl	Charti Berry (5%)
Platinum
Black	White
Black 2	White 2

Stats

Base stats

Generations III-VI

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 60		120 - 167	230 - 324
Attack: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Defense: 60		58 - 123	112 - 240
Sp. Atk: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Sp. Def: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Speed: 125		117 - 194	229 - 383
Total: 430	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Generation VII onward

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 60		120 - 167	230 - 324
Attack: 85		81 - 150	157 - 295
Defense: 60		58 - 123	112 - 240
Sp. Atk: 75		72 - 139	139 - 273
Sp. Def: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Speed: 125		117 - 194	229 - 383
Total: 455	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 3/3 ★★★	Power 3/5 ★★★☆☆
Skill 1/2 ★☆	Stamina 4/4 ★★★★
Jump 5/5 ★★★★★	Total 16/19 ★★★

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 2× Bug ½× Ghost 0× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 2× Bug ½× Ghost 0× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 2× Bug ½× Ghost 0× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 2× Bug ½× Ghost 0× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 2× Psychic 1× Ice 2× Dragon 1× Dark 1× Fairy 1× None

Notes: If this Pokémon is given a Ring Target, the effectiveness of  Ghost-type  moves is 1×. If Gravity is in effect, this Pokémon is given an Iron Ball or a Ring Target, or it is affected by Smack Down or Ingrain, the effectiveness of  Ground-type  moves is 1×.

Learnset

Swellow is available in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

By leveling up

Generation VIII Other generations: III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Brave Bird Flying Physical 120120 100100% 15 011 Air Slash Flying Special 07575 09595% 15 011 Pluck Flying Physical 06060 100100% 20 011 Peck Flying Physical 03535 100100% 35 011 Growl Normal Status 0000— 100100% 40 011 Focus Energy Normal Status 0000— ——% 30 011 Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30 055 Focus Energy Normal Status 0000— ——% 30 099 Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30 1313 Wing Attack Flying Physical 06060 100100% 35 1717 Double Team Normal Status 0000— ——% 15 2121 Aerial Ace Flying Physical 06060 ——% 20 2727 Quick Guard Fighting Status 0000— ——% 15 3333 Agility Psychic Status 0000— ——% 30 3939 Air Slash Flying Special 07575 09595% 15 4545 Endeavor Normal Physical 0000— 100100% 5 5151 Brave Bird Flying Physical 120120 100100% 15 5757 Reversal Fighting Physical 0000— 100100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Swellow Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Swellow Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM

Generation VIII Other generations: III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM10 TM10 Work Up Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 30 TM11 TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— —}}—% 5 TM15 TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM17 TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM18 TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— —}}—% 5 TM32 TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 15 TM40 TM40 Aerial Ace Flying Physical 06060 —}}—% 20 TM42 TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM44 TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM45 TM45 Attract Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM46 TM46 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25 TM47 TM47 Steel Wing Steel Physical 07070 090}}90% 25 TM51 TM51 Roost Flying Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM58 TM58 Endure Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM68 TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM82 TM82 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM87 TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 TM88 TM88 Pluck Flying Physical 06060 100}}100% 20 TM89 TM89 U-turn Bug Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM90 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000— —}}—% 10 TM94 TM94 Fly Flying Physical 09090 095}}95% 15 TM97 TM97 Defog Flying Status 0000— —}}—% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Swellow Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Swellow Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation VIII Other generations: III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Boomburst‡ Normal Special 140 100% 10 Brave Bird Flying Physical 120 100% 15 Hurricane Flying Special 110 70% 10 Sky Attack Flying Physical 140 90% 5 Supersonic Normal Status — 55% 20 Whirlwind Normal Status — —% 20

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Swellow in Generation VIII Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Swellow in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Swellow Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Swellow Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation VIII Other generations: III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Swellow Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Swellow Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior Evolution

Generation VIII Other generations: III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon has no moves exclusive to prior Evolutions.

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Swellow Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Swellow Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball RS Acquisition: Evolve			Pokémon Trozei! Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: Evolve Friend Area: Beau Plains Phrases 51%-100% HP I'm a wanderer. The skies are free! 26%-50% HP I don't like this... My health shouldn't be down to half. 1%-25% HP I'm falling... My wings have failed me... Level up I've gained in level! I can soar higher and farther!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 0.5% IQ group: D
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon Body size: Standard (1 tile) How to Recruit: Item delivery Connected to: Wurmple, Beautifly, Talonflame, Flabébé, Floette, Florges Connection Orb Set: 3 Phrases Normal I'm Swellow of Team Tasty! Wurmple is my trusted partner! Low HP (< 50%) It's getting to be too rough to fly around...
Pokémon Ranger Group: Flying Poké Assist: Flying Field move: (Gust ×2) Loops: 6 Min. exp.: 42 Max. exp.: 59 Browser entry R-037 Swellow darts quickly through the air while flapping its wings to create gusts.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group: Flying Poké Assist: Flying Field move: (Cut ×2) Browser entry R-007 It whips up gusts with its wings to attack. It also rams targets.
Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●●● Defense ●● Speed ●●●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 1.17 seconds Base HP: 51 Base Attack: 77 Base Defense: 49 Base Speed: 80
Pokémon Battle Trozei Flying Attack Power: ★★★★★			Pokémon Shuffle Flying Attack Power: 60 - 105 5 #080 Cloud Clear Clears away one black-cloud disruption without fail. Swappable Skill(s): Barrier Shot
Pokémon GO Base HP: 155 Base Attack: 185 Base Defense: 124 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 1 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Wing Attack, Steel Wing Charged Attacks: Aerial Ace, Brave Bird, Sky Attack

Evolution data

Unevolved Taillow  Normal  Flying

Level 22 →

First Evolution Swellow  Normal  Flying

Sprites

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back
Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back
Generation VII Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Front Back Front Back
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation IX.
Cross-Generation HOME

For other sprites and images, please see Swellow images on the Bulbagarden Archives.

In the anime

Main series

Swellow in the anime

Shiny Swellow in the anime

Major appearances

Ash's Swellow

In That's Just Swellow, Ash's Taillow evolved into a Swellow during the final round of the Crossgate PokéRinger competition.

Other

Swellow debuted in Candid Camerupt!. Vito of the Winstrate family used it to secretly protect his family.

In Sky High Gym Battle!, Winona used a Shiny Swellow during her Gym battle against Ash. It faced off against Grovyle, which it was able to defeat, but it was later defeated by Ash's own Swellow.

In the Hoopa's Surprise Ring Adventures short Flying in the Air, a Swellow was among the immense Flying-type Pokémon summoned by Hoopa to create wind for Ash and Pikachu, but their combined Gust was too much for them and sent them blasting off.

Minor appearances

In Pursuing a Lofty Goal!, a Swellow competed in the Squallville PokéRinger. It was used against a Wingull.

In A Staravia Is Born!, Team Rocket captured multiple Swellow.

Multiple Swellow appeared in Giratina and the Sky Warrior.

In Butterfree and Me!, multiple Swellow were living at Wayfarer Island.

In Genesect and the Legend Awakened, Mewtwo raced a Swellow.

In A Relay in the Sky!, a Trainer's Swellow competed in the Pokémon Sky Relay.

In The Mew from Here!, two Swellow were seen on Faraway Island.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry AG080 Swellow Ash's Pokédex Swellow, the Swallow Pokémon. Swellow uses its impressive divebomber speed and its large talons to capture its prey.

Pokémon Generations

A soldier's Swellow appeared in The Redemption, during a fantasy of a story from the past. It was one of the many Pokémon fighting in the great war of Kalos 3,000 years previously.

In the manga

Swellow in Pokémon Adventures

Ash & Pikachu

Main article: Ash's Swellow

Ash owns a Swellow in Ash & Pikachu, similar to the anime.

Pokémon Adventures

The Three Fires of Team Magma each own a Swellow that they use for aerial transport:

• Tabitha's Swellow appeared in Adding It Up with Plusle & Minun II.
• Courtney's Swellow appeared in Adding It Up with Plusle & Minun II.
• Blaise's Swellow first appeared in Tripped Up by Torkoal.

Maxie has a Swellow that first appeared in Walrein and Camerupt.

The Battle Tower rented a Swellow, which was stolen by Guile Hideout in The Final Battle VII.

Pokémon Battle Frontier

A Swellow appeared in Battle Between Student and Master!.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

A Swellow appeared in a fantasy in Legend? Check! Friends? Check!.

Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission

In Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Two, Solana captured a Swellow with her Capture Styler. It reappeared in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Three and Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Four. It was released in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Five.

In the TCG

Main article: Swellow (TCG)

Trivia

Origin

Swellow seems to be based on a swallow, specifically the barn swallow or welcome swallow. Its colors and crest are also similar to those of a treeswift. Its predatory behavior and speedy flight may be based on falcons or the swallow-tailed kite. Its Shiny colors and long tail feathers resemble those of the resplendent quetzal, and said Shiny coloration may have been inspired by the violet-green swallow.

It's tail feathers are likely based on used katana swords. As the move Aerial Ace (Japanese: つばめがえし Swallow Return) is based on the sword technique inspired by the motion of a swallow's tail in flight, "Turning Swallow Cut" by Sasaki Kojirō.  

Name origin

Swellow may be a combination of swell (excellent, or to grow larger) and swallow.

Ohsubame may be a corruption of 大燕 ōtsubame (large swallow).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese オオスバメ Ohsubame From the corruption of 大燕 ōtsubame French Hélédelle From ailé, and hirondelle Spanish Swellow Same as English name German Schwalboss From Schwalbe and Boss Italian Swellow Same as English name Korean 스왈로 Swalow From swallow Mandarin Chinese 大王燕 Dàwángyàn From 大王 dàwáng and 燕 yàn Cantonese Chinese 大王燕 Daaihwòhngyin From 大王 daaihwòhng and 燕 yin

More languages Hindi बिगाबील Bigaabeel From big and बील beel Russian Свеллоу Svellou Transcription of English name Thai โอโอสึบาเมะ Oosuebame Transcription of Japanese name

Related articles

• Ash's Swellow

External links

← #0276: Taillow

Pokémon

#0278: Wingull →

This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.