hoothoot
Generation II · #0163 — Owl Pokémon
Hoothoot is a Normal/Flying-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II, holding the position of #163 in the National Pokédex. This diminutive owl Pokémon stands just 0.7 meters tall and weighs a mere 21.2 kilograms, making it one of the smaller avian creatures in the Pokémon world. Despite its unassuming stature, Hoothoot possesses a remarkable biological feature that has earned it reverence across multiple cultures: an internal organ that precisely tracks the Earth's rotation. This extraordinary adaptation allows Hoothoot to hoot at exactly the same time every day with such consistency that some trainers and historical civilizations have relied upon it as a living timepiece. With a base stat total of just 262, Hoothoot is decidedly a novice-level Pokémon, yet it serves as an excellent introduction to flying-type dynamics for new trainers. Its evolution into the more formidable Noctowl at level 20 provides a natural progression for those willing to nurture this temporal guardian.
Base Stats
Height
0.7m
Weight
21.2kg
Category
Owl Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
brown
Shape
wings
Habitat
forest
Abilities
Prevents sleep.
Prevents accuracy from being lowered.
Doubles damage inflicted with not-very-effective moves.
Hoothoot Biology & Physical Characteristics
Hoothoot's physical form exemplifies the classic owl archetype, featuring a rotund brown body with a distinctive cream-colored belly and large, prominent red eyes that dominate its round face. The most visually striking features are the black rings encircling each eye, which bear remarkable resemblance to clock faces—the upper portions extending like the hands of a timepiece while the lower rims possess three tooth-like protrusions resembling gear teeth, a design that perfectly complements its timekeeping abilities. Its small pinkish beak, stubby wings, and fan-like tail composed of three feathers complete the endearing silhouette that has made Hoothoot instantly recognizable across generations. The Pokémon possesses two pinkish feet, each equipped with five clawed toes, though Hoothoot exhibits the peculiar behavior of standing exclusively on one foot at a time, alternating between legs so rapidly that the movement cannot be detected by the human eye—a trait documented across multiple Pokédex entries. As Hoothoot ages, its plumage can become noticeably shaggy and unkempt, with the characteristic protrusions on its head drooping with age, visible in instances such as those documented in Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Hoothoot Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Hoothoot exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male to 50% female, providing equal breeding opportunities regardless of the player's captured specimen. The Pokémon belongs to the Flying egg group, meaning it can breed with other Flying-type Pokémon and creatures sharing this classification, facilitating diverse breeding strategies for trainers seeking specific movesets or natures. With a base friendship value of 70 (in Generations II through VII) and a base happiness rating of 70, Hoothoot demonstrates moderate sociability and bonds reasonably quickly with trainers who treat it well, though it is not as emotionally receptive as some companion Pokémon. The egg hatch counter of 15 cycles translates to approximately 3,599 to 3,855 steps required for Hoothoot eggs to incubate and hatch, placing it in the moderate range of breeding timescales. Hoothoot's breeding compatibility and reasonable hatch requirements made it an accessible choice for players beginning their breeding ventures in Generation II and subsequent games where breeding mechanics were refined. The straightforward breeding parameters, combined with its availability in early-game scenarios, positioned Hoothoot as an excellent training subject for players learning to manipulate nature and individual values through careful breeding practices.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm04
yellow
tm04
red blue
tm04
emerald
tm04
firered leafgreen
tm04
ruby sapphire
tm04
diamond pearl
tm04
xd
tm04
heartgold soulsilver
tm04
black white
tm04
colosseum
tm04
platinum
tm04
sun moon
tm04
ultra sun ultra moon
tm04
x y
tm04
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm04
black 2 white 2
+609 more TMs/HMs
hoothoot's Evolution Chain
Hoothoot Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Hoothoot's evolution into Noctowl occurs at level 20, representing a natural and significant maturation within the Johto Pokédex. The evolution is straightforward in mechanics but substantial in impact—Noctowl's base stat total increases to 452, with particular gains in Special Attack (rising from 36 to 86), Special Defense (from 56 to 96), and Speed (from 50 to 100), transforming Hoothoot from a fragile novice Pokémon into a formidable nocturnal predator. While neither Hoothoot nor Noctowl possess Mega Evolution or alternative forms, the progression itself is elegant and narratively satisfying, reflecting a young owl's maturation into a fully-fledged, competent hunter. The evolution represents not merely statistical improvement but a conceptual graduation from a time-keeping creature into a capable aerial combatant, though Hoothoot retains its temporal abilities throughout its entire evolutionary line.
Where to Find
johto route 36
johto
+17 more
johto route 30
johto
+27 more
national park
johto
+37 more
johto route 35
johto
+8 more
johto route 37
johto
+18 more
kanto route 1
kanto
+21 more
johto route 31
johto
+18 more
johto route 29
johto
+30 more
kanto route 2
kanto
+20 more
kanto route 27
kanto
+2 more
johto route 38
johto
johto route 39
johto
johto route 43
johto
+3 more
lake of rage
johto
+2 more
kanto route 26
kanto
+2 more
johto route 32
johto
+3 more
ilex forest
johto
+2 more
johto route 34
johto
+1 more
kanto route 5
kanto
kanto route 25
kanto
+9 more locations in other games
Hoothoot Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Hoothoot is fundamentally a nocturnal creature, spending its daylight hours roosting in tree cavities within temperate and boreal forests, only emerging as darkness falls to hunt and vocalize. The Pokémon's most distinctive behavioral trait is its metronomic precision in hooting—it begins its cry at the exact same moment every single day without fail, maintaining temporal accuracy that surpasses mechanical clocks. This remarkable sense of rhythm extends beyond mere vocalization; Hoothoot constantly tilts its head in precise intervals, a physical manifestation of its internal chronometric organ that monitors planetary rotation. The Pokémon demonstrates remarkable adaptability in maintaining its schedule regardless of external circumstances, exemplifying a temporal dedication that has led various cultures and historical societies to regard Hoothoot as a deity of wisdom and a divine messenger tasked with marking the passage of time. Its predatory instincts are modest compared to more aggressive flying types, as it primarily hunts small prey during nocturnal forays. Hoothoot's behavior has proven so reliable and useful that the practice of raising them as natural alarm clocks persists in some regions even in modern times, though this custom was far more prevalent historically.
Pokedex Entries
It always stands on one foot. It changes feet so fast, the movement can rarely be seen.
It has a perfect sense of time. Whatever happens, it keeps rhythm by precisely tilting its head in time.
It begins to hoot at the same time every day. Some trainers use them in place of clocks.
HOOTHOOT has an internal organ that senses and tracks the earth’s rotation. Using this special organ, this POKéMON begins hooting at precisely the same time every day.
It has an internal organ that senses the earth’s rotation. Using this special organ, a HOOTHOOT begins hooting at precisely the same time every day.
It has a perfect sense of time. Whatever happens, it keeps rhythm by precisely tilting its head in time.
It always stands on one foot. It changes feet so fast, the movement can rarely be seen.
It always stands on one foot. Even when attacked, it does not brace itself using both feet.
It switches its standing foot so quickly, it can’t be seen. It cries at the same time every day.
It marks time precisely. Some countries consider it to be a wise friend, versed in the world’s ways.
It always stands on one foot. It changes feet so fast, the movement can rarely be seen.
It has a perfect sense of time. Whatever happens, it keeps rhythm by precisely tilting its head in time.
It marks time precisely. Some countries consider it to be a wise friend, versed in the world’s ways.
It marks time precisely. Some countries consider it to be a wise friend, versed in the world’s ways.
It has a perfect sense of time. Whatever happens, it keeps rhythm by precisely tilting its head in time.
It always stands on one foot. It changes feet so fast, the movement can rarely be seen.
Hoothoot has an internal organ that senses and tracks the earth’s rotation. Using this special organ, this Pokémon begins hooting at precisely the same time every day.
Hoothoot has an internal organ that senses and tracks the earth’s rotation. Using this special organ, this Pokémon begins hooting at precisely the same time every day.
Every day, it tilts its head in the same rhythm. A long time ago, people raised these Pokémon to serve as clocks.
It cries out at the same time every day. A long time ago, people cherished it and considered it a divine messenger sent to tell the time.
It always stands on one foot. It changes feet so fast, the movement can rarely be seen.
It begins to hoot at the same time every day. Some Trainers use them in place of clocks.
Hoothoot Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name 'Hoothoot' is a direct onomatopoeia derived from the characteristic hooting sound that owls produce, with the repeated syllable emphasizing the Pokémon's obsessive temporal hooting behavior. In Japanese, the name 'ホーホー' (Hoho) similarly represents the owl's call, maintaining the onomatopoeic tradition across languages. The design itself draws heavily from real-world barn owls and similar species, adapted and stylized to emphasize the creature's unique timekeeping theme through its clock-face eye markings. The gear-like teeth on the lower eye rings and the clock-hand-like extensions on the upper portions represent a deliberate anthropomorphic design choice, merging natural owl anatomy with mechanical imagery to reinforce Hoothoot's role as a living chronometer. This fusion of biological and temporal aesthetics creates a memorable silhouette that immediately communicates the Pokémon's primary gimmick to players and viewers alike. The brown and cream coloration scheme mirrors real owls, grounding the fantastical design elements in observable nature while the exaggerated features—the stubby wings and rotund body—lend Hoothoot an appearance simultaneously cute and competent.
Learnable Moves
Hoothoot can learn 92 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| air cutter | flying | Special | 60 | 95 | 25 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| amnesia | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| brave bird | flying | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| confusion | psychic | Special | 50 | 100 | 25 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| dual wingbeat | flying | Physical | 40 | 90 | 10 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| extrasensory | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| feather dance | flying | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| feint attack | dark | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| fly | flying | Physical | 90 | 95 | 15 |
| foresight | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hurricane | flying | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| hypnosis | psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| magic coat | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| mean look | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mirror move | flying | Status | — | — | 20 |
| moonblast | fairy | Special | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| night shade | ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| nightmare | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| peck | flying | Physical | 35 | 100 | 35 |
| pluck | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psybeam | psychic | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psycho shift | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| recycle | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| silver wind | bug | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| skill swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sky attack | flying | Physical | 140 | 90 | 5 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| steel wing | steel | Physical | 70 | 90 | 25 |
| stored power | psychic | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| supersonic | normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| synchronoise | psychic | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| tailwind | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlwind | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| wing attack | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 35 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Hoothoot Competitive Battle Guide
While Hoothoot itself possesses limited competitive viability due to its modest base stat total of 262, its ability pool and type coverage provide interesting foundational moves for training purposes. The ability Insomnia grants immunity to sleep-inducing moves, an underrated but situationally valuable protection, while Keen Eye prevents stat-lowering moves from reducing accuracy, offering modest defensive utility. Hoothoot's hidden ability, Tinted Lens, doubles damage from moves that are not very effective against its opponents, a mechanic that rewards creative type coverage and strategic move selection despite the Pokémon's generally weak offensive stats (Attack 30, Special Attack 36). In competitive formats, Hoothoot serves primarily as a stepping stone to Noctowl, which gains substantially improved stats and competitive credibility upon evolution. However, within Littlecup or other restricted formats emphasizing early-game Pokémon, Hoothoot can function adequately with proper training, primarily relying on Flying-type moves like Wing Attack and coverage moves learned through leveling or TM instruction. Its mediocre speed of 50 means faster opponents will typically act first, necessitating a supportive or defensive role in competitive scenarios—a role it fills better after evolution into the significantly more capable Noctowl.
Commonly Asked Questions About Hoothoot
What type is Hoothoot?
Hoothoot is a normal and flying type Pokemon.
What does Hoothoot evolve into?
Hoothoot evolves into noctowl.
What are Hoothoot's weaknesses?
Hoothoot is weak to rock, electric and ice type moves.
Where can I find Hoothoot?
Hoothoot can be found in johto route 36 (johto), johto route 30 (johto) and national park (johto) and 26 other locations.
Hoothoot Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Hoothoot has achieved remarkable cultural resonance despite its modest power level, becoming an iconic representation of temporal precision and wisdom in Pokémon mythology. Multiple Pokédex entries across different generations explicitly reference Hoothoot's status as a symbol of wisdom and a divine messenger in various cultures, with some countries venerating it as a deity—a level of mythological significance rarely bestowed upon relatively weak Pokémon. The historical practice of raising Hoothoot as living clocks represents a unique cultural intersection between Pokémon and practical human utility, creating a fantastical yet functional purpose for the species. Hoothoot's appearance in the animated series, particularly its role in establishing daily rhythms and temporal markers within the show's universe, has reinforced its cultural identity as a reliable, steadfast companion. The Pokémon has become synonymous with nighttime in the franchise, featured prominently in nocturnal settings and serving as a recognizable symbol of the nocturnal atmosphere in games and media. In Japanese culture particularly, where owls hold traditional significance as symbols of good fortune and wisdom, Hoothoot's design and abilities resonate deeply with established cultural tropes, making it a culturally resonant choice for Generation II's Johto region with its decidedly Japanese inspirations.
Where to Find Hoothoot in Every Pokémon Game
Hoothoot enjoys widespread availability across the Pokémon game series, having appeared in numerous titles since its introduction in Generation II. In the original Gold/Silver/Crystal versions, Hoothoot was available as a common early-game encounter, holding the local Pokédex number #0015 and appearing frequently in routes throughout Johto. Across subsequent generations, Hoothoot maintained consistent availability with varying local Pokédex assignments: #0106 in Diamond/Pearl/Platinum, #0015 again in HeartGold/SoulSilver, #0117 in X/Y's Mountain Kalos region, #0212 in Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon, and #0019 in Sword/Shield. More recent titles including Pokémon Scarlet/Violet have continued the tradition of including Hoothoot in their Pokédex, ensuring trainers consistently have access to this foundational Pokémon. With a capture rate of 255—the highest possible rate—Hoothoot can be caught with virtually any Poké Ball on the first encounter, making it exceptionally easy to obtain. Its prevalence in night-time encounters and early-game availability across so many titles has made Hoothoot a staple of most trainers' early experiences with Pokémon, contributing significantly to its enduring familiarity and popularity despite its combat limitations.