Articuno takes the form of a large bird with predominantly blue plumage. Its coloring is darkest on its long streamer-like tail and head crest. Its head crest is fairly simple, consisting of three rhombus-shaped feathers on its forehead. Its body is a sky-blue, growing lighter on its chest and belly. Its most distinctive feature is its large wings, which look like they are made of ice. It has a small gray beak and similarly colored, thin legs. An Articuno in flight is a magnificent sight to behold.
Gender differences
Articuno is a genderless species.
Special abilities
When Articuno flaps its wings, it can chill the moisture in the air around it, making snow fall.
Behavior
Articuno, along with Zapdos and Moltres is one of the legendary birds of Kanto. They are poorly understood species, believed by many to be pure myth. According to legend, it appears before doomed travelers lost in icy regions. It is impossible to tell if these are valid sightings, or merely delusions of the dying. It is described as being spectacular in flight: with its long tail streaming behind it, and its wings shining like ice. It is said to cause snow to fall when it flies, and has the potential ability to create blizzards.
Articuno lives in cold places, isolated usually mountains. An Articuno is known to roost inside the seafoam islands of Kanto. However, Articuno is an extremely rare (if not one-of-a-kind) Pokémon due to its "Legendary" status.
Another was seen in the episode Freeze Frame. Travelers say that the Articuno watch over them on their journeys through the mountains of Johto. Nurse Joy suggested that many other Articuno probably have nests in other cold locations with high altitudes.
When released from a Poké Ball, Articuno will use a Blizzard attack that freezes any opponent that is caught in it for a few seconds.
Trophy information
Clouds gather, the barometer plunges, and fresh snow falls from the frigid air when this legendary Pokémon takes wing. Graceful and elegant, it boasts long tail feathers that flap in the wind and are lovely to behold. As would be expected, its combat moves are based on its cold nature; they include Ice Beam and Blizzard.
Game data
Pokédex entries
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Articuno is a legendary bird Pokémon that can control ice. The flapping of its wings chills the air. As a result, it is said that when this Pokémon flies, snow will fall.
Articuno is a legendary bird Pokémon that can control ice. The flapping of its wings chills the air. As a result, it is said that when this Pokémon flies, snow will fall.
Articuno is a legendary bird Pokémon that can control ice. The flapping of its wings chills the air. As a result, it is said that when this Pokémon flies, snow will fall.
In Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, and LeafGreen versions, there are binoculars in the guardhouse separating the city from Route 15, through which Articuno can be seen flying toward the sea. It is still visible in the binoculars if it is captured or defeated in the Seafoam Islands.
In every game after the third generation, Articuno's legs and beak are brown.
Articuno is considered 'cheapsake' by some fans because of its ability to learn both Sheer Cold and Mind Reader.
In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2, it is the only one in its trio that cannot be encountered unless the player enters an event password.
Origin
This Pokémon's appearance is based on the Arabic Anka myth, which is that of a giant arctic bird. The bird is similar to the phoenix as it is known to resurrect itself and appear to doomed people in the mountains.
Name origin
Articuno's name is a combination of the words arctic and uno, the Spanish word for one, indicating that it is the first in the series of Kantolegendary birds. Its Japanese name is simply Freezer, one who freezes.
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.
For other sprites and images, please see Articuno images on Bulbagarden Archives.
