Swellow (Pokémon)

← #276: Taillow	Pokémon	#278: Wingull →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Swellow (disambiguation).

Swellow オオスバメ Ohsubame #277
Art by Ken Sugimori from Ruby and Sapphire
Type Normal Flying Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Swallow Pokémon
Abilities Guts Blue-Striped ----- Scrappy Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 1,059,860
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #— Johto — Hoenn #026 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R-037 Almia R-007 Oblivia
Height 2'04" Imperial 0.7 m Metric 2'04"/0.7 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 43.7 lbs. Imperial 19.8 kg Metric 43.7 lbs./19.8 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Blue	Catch rate 45 (5.9%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 50% male, 50% female
Breeding Flying group 16 cycles (4080 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 2 Base Exp.: 162 Battle Exp.: 1621*
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.

It evolves from Taillow starting at level 22.

Biology

Physiology

They are a brilliant blue with contrasting red breastfeathers and face. There is a crest of blue feathers extending from their head, a vertical stripe of blue extending onto their red-colored chest, and a white coloration on the underside of their belly and wingfeathers. They also have sharply shaped wings and red-tipped tailfeathers that are specifically designed for speed. Swellow also possess red feet that are armed with talons. Its feet are strong enough to carry heavy Pokémon.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Swellow are among the fastest of bird Pokémon and are very acrobatic in the air. They may also display a surprising amount of vigor and can be quite resilient.

Behavior

Much like Taillow, Swellow are very stubborn Pokémon and can show a lot of bravery in battle. They also take great pride in their glossy plumage, and often preen the feathers of other Swellow.

Habitat

File:Grassland.gif

Grassland Pokémon

Swellow are sometimes found in grassy fields, light wooded areas, or light rocky terrain. However, they are generally harder to find than Taillow.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Swellow's diet has expanded and are now able to take on larger prey like Wurmple and other bug Pokémon, although they still accept fruit and Berries such as the Charti Berry. It searches for prey from high above and when it spots one it dives steeply at incredible speed and never misses its target.

In the anime

Swellow in the anime

Shiny Swellow in the anime

Major appearances

Ash's Swellow

Ash's Taillow evolved into Swellow in That's Just Swellow during the final round of the PokéRinger tournament. Unlike Pidgeotto and Noctowl, Swellow was a main competitor on Ash's team.

Other

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

Winona's Shiny Swellow debuted in Sky High Gym Battle!. Ash battled against it during the Gym battle.

Minor appearances

A Swellow appeared in Pursuing a Lofty Goal! as one of the participants of PokéRinger competition.

Multiple Swellow made a brief cameo in Giratina and the Sky Warrior.

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.

In the manga

Swellow in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

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

Maxie also has a Swellow which was used as a mode of flight transportation.

In the TCG

Main article: Swellow (TCG)

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.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
Generation I Red {{{redbluedex}}} Blue Yellow {{{yellowdex}}} Stadium {{{stadiumdex}}}
Generation II Gold {{{golddex}}} Silver {{{silverdex}}} Crystal {{{crystaldex}}} Stadium 2 Unknown
Generation III 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 {{{leafgreendex}}}
Generation IV Diamond It circles the sky in search of prey. When it spots one, it dives steeply to catch the prey. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold It dives at a steep angle as soon as it spots its prey. It catches its prey with sharp claws. SoulSilver {{{soulsilverdex}}}
Generation V Black It circles the sky in search of prey. When it spots one, it dives steeply to catch the prey. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
Generation I Red Blue None Trade Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow None Trade
Generation II Gold Silver None Trade Crystal None Trade
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Rare Route 115 Emerald Rare Route 115 FireRed LeafGreen None Trade Colosseum None Trade XD One Citadark Isle (Shadow)
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Uncommon Route 213 (Poké Radar) Platinum Uncommon Route 213 (Poké Radar) HeartGold SoulSilver None Evolve Taillow Pal Park Field Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White Uncommon Route 13, Giant Chasm Black 2 White 2 Swarm Route 13 Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire	Evolve from Taillow
Pokémon Trozei!	Secret Storage 4 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Evolve from Taillow
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Concealed Ruins (B16-B29) World Abyss (B9-B29) Mt. Mistral (1F-19F)
Pokémon Ranger	Lyra Forest
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia	Union Road
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Forest: Challenger's Ground (Post-ending)

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Diamond	Pearl	Charti Berry (5%)
Platinum
Black	White	Charti Berry (5%)

Stats

Base stats

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.

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 V, 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× 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× 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× 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× 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

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  00Start Pluck Flying Physical 06060 100100% 20 00Start Peck Flying Physical 03535 100100% 35 00Start Growl Normal Status 0000— 100100% 40 00Start Focus Energy Normal Status 0000— ——% 30 00Start Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30 044 Focus Energy Normal Status 0000— ——% 30 088 Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30 1313 Wing Attack Flying Physical 06060 100100% 35 1919 Double Team Normal Status 0000— ——% 15 2828 Endeavor Normal Physical 0000— 100100% 5 3838 Aerial Ace Flying Physical 06060 ——% 20 4949 Agility Psychic Status 0000— ——% 30 6161 Air Slash Flying Special 07575 09595% 20

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/HM

Generation V Other generations: III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
TM		Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	TM06	Toxic	Poison	Status	0000—	090}}90%	10
	TM10	Hidden Power	Normal	Special	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM11	Sunny Day	Fire	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM15	Hyper Beam	Normal	Special	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM17	Protect	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM18	Rain Dance	Water	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM21	Frustration	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM27	Return	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM32	Double Team	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM40	Aerial Ace	Flying	Physical	06060	—}}—%	20
	TM42	Facade	Normal	Physical	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM44	Rest	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM45	Attract	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM46	Thief	Dark	Physical	04040	100}}100%	10
	TM48	Round	Normal	Special	06060	100}}100%	15
	TM49	Echoed Voice	Normal	Special	04040	100}}100%	15
	TM68	Giga Impact	Normal	Physical	150150	090}}90%	5
	TM83	Work Up	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	30
	TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	0000—	090}}90%	15
	TM88	Pluck	Flying	Physical	06060	100}}100%	20
	TM89	U-turn	Bug	Physical	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	HM02	Fly	Flying	Physical	09090	095}}95%	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 V Other generations: III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Father	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	Brave Bird	Flying	Physical	120	100%	15
	Defog	Flying	Status	—	—%	15
	Mirror Move	Flying	Status	—	—%	20
	Pursuit	Dark	Physical	40	100%	20
	Rage	Normal	Physical	20	100%	20
	Refresh	Normal	Status	—	—%	20
	Roost	Flying	Status	—	—%	10
	Sky Attack	Flying	Physical	140	90%	5
	Steel Wing	Steel	Physical	70	90%	25
	Supersonic	Normal	Status	—	55%	20
	Whirlwind	Normal	Status	—	100%	20
Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Swellow in Generation V 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 V Other generations: III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Game				Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
B	W	B2	W2	Endeavor	Normal	Physical	—	100%	5
B	W	B2	W2	Heat Wave	Fire	Special	100	90%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Roost	Flying	Status	—	—%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Sky Attack	Flying	Physical	140	90%	5
B	W	B2	W2	Sleep Talk	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
B	W	B2	W2	Snore	Normal	Special	40	100%	15
B	W	B2	W2	Tailwind	Flying	Status	—	—%	30
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Swellow can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Swellow cannot be tutored the move 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 Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

Generation V Other generations: III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Stage	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
‡	Endure	Normal	Status	—	—%	10
‡	TailwindBW	Flying	Status	—	—%	30
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

Special moves

Shadow moves	<span style="color:#{{{2}}};">Level 43+	Purified moves
Shadow Break	File:Box xd 277.png	Baton Pass	Normal
Shadow Half		Sky Attack	Flying
Shadow Mist		Agility	Psychic
Shadow Sky		Facade	Normal

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Pinball RS    Acquisition: Evolve		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team File:MDP RT 277.png 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! Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. 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 Ranger Group:  Flying  Poké Assist: ( Flying ) Field move: (Gust ×2) Loops: 6 Min. exp.: 42 Max. exp.: 59 Browser entry   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   It whips up gusts with its wings to attack. It also rams targets.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Normal  None Past ( Normal ) None Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Rumble N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●●● Defense ●● Speed ●●●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}} PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
Pokémon Conquest HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}} Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}} Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}} Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}} Does not evolve. Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Unevolved Taillow  Normal  Flying

Level 22 →

First Evolution Swellow  Normal  Flying

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation I.
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation II.
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

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

Trivia

• Swellow is the fastest Normal-type non-legendary Pokémon, with a base Speed of 125.
• Swellow is the only pokemon to have it's shiny form owned by a gym leader. In this case, it is owned by Winona.

Origin

Swellow is based directly on swallows, specifically a barn swallow or welcome swallow. However, it shares characteristics with other types of birds as well. In terms of behavior, its predatory habits and incredible speed suggest inspiration from falcons, or perhaps the swallow-tailed kite. Its coloration, appearance, and crested head are similar to treeswifts, though its head also resembles that of a secretary bird. Swellow's Shiny colors of green, red and white, combined with its two long tail feathers, also resemble the Resplendent Quetzal.

Name origin

Swellow is a combination of swell and swallow.

Ohsubame is a corruption of 大燕 ōtsubame (large swallow). Ohsubame may also mean big Subame.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese オオスバメ Subame Corruption of 大燕 ōtsubame French Heledelle Possibly from ailé, and hirondelle Spanish Swellow Same as English name German Schwalboss From Schwalbe and boss Italian Swellow Same as English name Korean 스왈로 Seuwallo Possibly from swallow Mandarin Chinese 大王燕 Dàwángyàn Literally "King swallow" Cantonese Chinese

More languages

Related articles

• Ash's Swellow

External links

← #276: Taillow

Pokémon

#278: 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.