natu
Generation II · #0177 — Tiny Bird Pokémon
Natu, known as the Tiny Bird Pokémon, is a dual-type Psychic/Flying Pokémon introduced in Generation II with a National Pokédex number of 177. Despite its classification as a Flying-type, Natu is unable to achieve true flight due to its underdeveloped wings, instead relying on its exceptional hopping ability to navigate its environment. This small yet distinctive Pokémon possesses a base stat total of 320, with notable strengths in Special Attack and Speed, both sitting at 70 base points. Natu's psychic nature manifests in its distinctive staring behavior and prophetic abilities, making it a cautious Pokémon that often appears to be observing something beyond normal perception. With a catch rate of 190 and base happiness of 70, Natu represents an accessible entry point for trainers seeking a psychic-type companion early in their journey through Johto.
Base Stats
Height
0.2m
Weight
2.0kg
Category
Tiny Bird Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
green
Shape
wings
Habitat
forest
Abilities
Copies burns, paralysis, and poison received onto the Pokémon that inflicted them.
Makes sleep pass twice as quickly.
Reflects most non-damaging moves back at their user.
Natu Biology & Physical Characteristics
Natu's physical appearance reflects its status as an underdeveloped avian Pokémon, featuring a nearly spherical, predominantly green body that stands just 0.2 meters tall and weighs a mere 2.0 kilograms. The Pokémon's most striking visual features include its brightly colored yellow-and-red wings marked with thick black stripes, a prominent red crest adorning the top of its head, and distinctive almond-shaped eyes that give it an perpetually observant expression. Its beak is yellow, while its three-toed feet and three tail feathers are colored red, creating a vibrant contrast against its green plumage. The small, underdeveloped wings that prevent flight are offset by remarkably well-developed leg muscles, enabling Natu to execute impressive jumping feats and climb tree trunks with considerable skill. Its psychic typing is reflected not only in its behavior but also in its physiological structure, which appears adapted for perching and observing rather than sustained aerial movement.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Natu Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Natu exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, making it equally viable for trainers seeking either gender. The species belongs to the Flying egg group and requires 20 egg cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of in-game travel before a Natu egg reaches maturity. This relatively moderate hatch time makes Natu an accessible Pokémon for players interested in breeding programs early in their journey through the Johto region. The base friendship value of 70 indicates that freshly hatched or newly caught Natu possess reasonable compatibility with their trainers, though this can be further increased through attentive care and battling. Breeding Natu can yield offspring with various movesets through egg move inheritance, allowing players to customize their Natu's capabilities beyond what leveling alone would provide.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
x y
tm03
black 2 white 2
tm03
black white
tm03
sun moon
tm03
ultra sun ultra moon
tm03
omega ruby alpha sapphire
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
+652 more TMs/HMs
natu's Evolution Chain
Natu Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Natu evolves into Xatu upon reaching level 25, marking a significant transformation from its juvenile form. The evolution process represents Natu's maturation, with Xatu developing fully-formed wings capable of sustained flight and gaining increased physical dimensions and stat distributions. While Natu maintains a base Special Attack and Speed of 70 each, its evolution augments these offensive qualities and provides greater overall competitiveness in battle. The evolution line remains exclusively Psychic/Flying type, preserving the dual-type identity throughout both stages of development. Xatu's acquisition of improved stats and flight capabilities makes the evolutionary transition a pivotal moment in a trainer's team development, transforming a hopping ground-forager into an agile, airborne threat.
Where to Find
ruins of alph
johto
+33 more
hoenn safari zone
hoenn
+9 more
ruin valley
kanto
+3 more
sinnoh route 224
sinnoh
+3 more
akala outskirts
alola
poke pelago
alola
+3 more
Natu Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Natu inhabits temperate and tropical forests, particularly areas near ancient ruins where its psychic sensitivity may be heightened by mysterious environmental energies. The Pokémon typically forages for food on the ground, using its keen observation skills to locate nutrient-rich vegetation, but on rare occasions will hop onto tree branches to peck at fresh shoots and new growth. According to various Pokédex entries, Natu is particularly adept at navigating tall tree branches that exceed the height of grown adults, demonstrating an impressive jumping ability that belies its small frame. The species has also developed an unusual relationship with cactus plants, deftly avoiding both buds and sharp spines while extracting food from these prickly specimens. Natu's most distinctive behavioral trait is its intense, unwavering stare—the Pokémon will lock its gaze onto objects or individuals, observing them with profound concentration until they move, at which point it hops away to safety. This vigilant nature reflects Natu's prophetic abilities and its general disposition as a cautious, easily spooked Pokémon that seems perpetually aware of danger.
Pokedex Entries
Because its wings aren't yet fully grown, it has to hop to get around. It is always star ing at something.
It usually forages for food on the ground but may, on rare occasions, hop onto branches to peck at shoots.
It is extremely good at climbing tree trunks and likes to eat the new sprouts on the trees.
NATU cannot fly because its wings are not yet fully grown. If your eyes meet with this POKéMON’s eyes, it will stare back intently at you. But if you move even slightly, it will hop away to safety.
NATU has a highly developed jumping ability. The POKéMON flaps and leaps onto tree branches that are taller than grown-up people to pick at the tree’s new shoots.
It runs up short trees that grow on the savanna to peck at new shoots. A NATU’s eyes look as if they are always observing something.
It usually forages for food on the ground but may, on rare occasions, hop onto branches to peck at shoots.
Because its wings aren’t yet fully grown, it has to hop to get around. It is always staring at something.
It picks food from cactus plants, deftly avoiding buds and spines. It seems to skip about to move.
Because its wings aren’t yet fully grown, it has to hop to get around. It is always staring at something.
It usually forages for food on the ground but may, on rare occasions, hop onto branches to peck at shoots.
It picks food from cactus plants, deftly avoiding buds and spines. It seems to skip about to move.
It picks food from cactus plants, deftly avoiding buds and spines. It seems to skip about to move.
Because its wings aren’t yet fully grown, it has to hop to get around. It is always staring at something.
It usually forages for food on the ground but may, on rare occasions, hop onto branches to peck at shoots.
Natu cannot fly because its wings are not yet fully grown. If your eyes meet with this Pokémon’s eyes, it will stare back intently at you. But if you move even slightly, it will hop away to safety.
Natu has a highly developed jumping ability. The Pokémon flaps and leaps onto tree branches that are taller than grown-up people to pick at the tree’s new shoots.
Although it still can’t fly, its jumping power is outstanding. It jumps way up into trees and plucks the buds from the branches.
The look in its eyes gives the impression that it’s carefully observing you. If you approach it, Natu will hop away.
It is extremely good at climbing tree trunks and likes to eat the new sprouts on the trees.
Because its wings aren’t yet fully grown, it has to hop to get around. It is always staring at something.
Natu Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Natu is derived from the Portuguese word 'nati,' relating to the Nati tribe and their association with natural observation and spiritual awareness, fitting for a Pokémon with psychic abilities and perpetual observant nature. The Japanese name Naty shares similar etymological roots while emphasizing the Pokémon's small, youthful status in its evolutionary line. Visually, Natu's design draws inspiration from various real-world avian species, particularly parakeets and other small perching birds, with its spherical body and underdeveloped wings suggesting a young or immature bird still developing its flight capabilities. The bold color scheme of green plumage contrasted with red and yellow accents creates a visually distinctive appearance that immediately communicates the Pokémon's psychic nature despite its avian classification. The perpetually intense, unblinking stare and the design choice to emphasize observation over mobility establish Natu as a Pokémon defined by perception and prescience rather than physical prowess.
Learnable Moves
Natu can learn 88 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| air cutter | flying | Special | 60 | 95 | 25 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| cosmic power | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| drill peck | flying | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| feather dance | flying | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| feint attack | dark | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| future sight | psychic | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| guard swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| light screen | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| lucky chant | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| magic coat | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| magic room | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| me first | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| miracle eye | psychic | Status | — | — | 40 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| night shade | ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| nightmare | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| peck | flying | Physical | 35 | 100 | 35 |
| pluck | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| power swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psycho shift | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| psyshock | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| refresh | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| signal beam | bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| silver wind | bug | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| simple beam | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| skill swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sky attack | flying | Physical | 140 | 90 | 5 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| steel wing | steel | Physical | 70 | 90 | 25 |
| stored power | psychic | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| synchronoise | psychic | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| tailwind | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| telekinesis | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| teleport | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trick | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| trick room | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| wish | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Natu Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive battling, Natu serves primarily as a niche utility Pokémon rather than a sweeper, with its stats distributed to emphasize Special Attack and Speed at 70 base points each. However, its frail defensive capabilities, with both Defense and Special Defense sitting at only 45 base points, and its modest HP of 40, make it vulnerable to nearly all offensive threats it may encounter. Natu's true competitive value lies in its ability pool and specialized functions: Synchronize allows it to copy burns, paralysis, and poison status conditions inflicted upon it, reflecting them back onto the offending Pokémon, while Early Bird allows it to recover from sleep status in half the normal time. The hidden ability Magic Bounce proves far more valuable competitively, reflecting most non-damaging moves including stealth rock, spikes, and status moves directly back at their users, making Natu an excellent lead Pokémon in certain strategic formats. However, Natu's limited defensive bulk and modest offensive stats restrict its usage to specific team archetypes and match-ups where its utility abilities can maximize impact before it inevitably succumbs to direct damage.
Commonly Asked Questions About Natu
What type is Natu?
Natu is a psychic and flying type Pokemon.
What does Natu evolve into?
Natu evolves into xatu.
What are Natu's weaknesses?
Natu is weak to rock, ghost, electric, ice and dark type moves.
Where can I find Natu?
Natu can be found in ruins of alph (johto), hoenn safari zone (hoenn) and ruin valley (kanto) and 3 other locations.
Natu Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Natu occupies a meaningful place within Pokémon culture as one of the Generation II additions that expanded the franchise's roster beyond the original 151 species. The Pokémon's distinctive design and unusual behavioral characteristics—particularly its intense, unwavering stare—have made it memorable to fans despite its limited competitive viability and lower overall visibility compared to more popular species. Natu's status as the unevolved form of Xatu has created a thematic partnership exploring the concept of growth from juvenile observation to mature foresight, a narrative arc that resonates with players progressing through their own Pokémon journeys. In the anime, Natu has received various appearances throughout the series, though it remains far less prominent than flagship Pokémon from its generation. The species' unique combination of psychic prescience and avian physicality continues to appeal to players interested in thematic team building and those drawn to the intellectual, mystical aesthetic that psychic-type Pokémon embody.
Where to Find Natu in Every Pokémon Game
Natu was first made available to players in Pokémon Gold and Silver as a Generation II species, where it received the Johto Pokédex number 159. The Pokémon has remained consistently available across subsequent generations, appearing in Ruby and Sapphire with Pokédex number 162, HeartGold and SoulSilver with number 161, and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire with number 169. In newer generations, Natu appears in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon with Alola Pokédex number 252, and in Sword and Shield with Galar Pokédex number 92, demonstrating its continued integration into modern Pokémon games. The species can typically be found in grass-type routes, forest areas, and locations near ancient ruins or spiritual sites that align with its psychic nature and habitat preferences. With a catch rate of 190, Natu is relatively easy to capture with standard Poké Balls, making it accessible to trainers of all skill levels who wish to add a psychic-type Pokémon to their team early in their adventure.