noctowl
Generation II · #0164 — Owl Pokémon
Noctowl is a Normal/Flying-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II, bearing the National Pokédex number 164. Known as the Owl Pokémon, Noctowl has earned the nickname "the emperor of dark nights" among trainers and researchers who recognize its supreme mastery of nocturnal hunting. With a base stat total of 452, Noctowl demonstrates a unique stat distribution that emphasizes special defense (96) and HP (100) while maintaining respectable special attack (86), making it a defensively-oriented flier with moderate offensive capabilities. This owl Pokémon evolves from Hoothoot starting at level 20 and represents the final form of its evolutionary line. Its exceptional abilities—Insomnia, Keen Eye, or the hidden ability Tinted Lens—provide trainers with multiple strategic options for various competitive scenarios.
Base Stats
Height
1.6m
Weight
40.8kg
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.
Noctowl Biology & Physical Characteristics
Noctowl is an avian Pokémon that embodies the physical characteristics of a majestic owl, standing 1.6 meters tall and weighing 40.8 kilograms. Its plumage consists of light brown feathers adorned with darker brown triangular patterns across its chest, resembling natural markings found on real owls. Distinctive cream-colored feather "horns" positioned above its eyes give Noctowl a perpetually thoughtful expression, while its red eyes encircled by concentric rings of black and cream coloration represent its most striking visual feature. The Pokémon's fan-like tail and slightly lighter brown wings with cream undersides enhance its owl-like appearance, while its small pinkish beak and talons, accompanied by cream-colored feet with three forward-facing toes and one backward, complete its anatomically accurate avian design. Noctowl's extremely soft feathers are specially evolved to make virtually no sound during flight, enabling silent pursuit of prey. Its eyes represent perhaps its most remarkable biological adaptation—capable of concentrating even the faintest light sources to grant exceptional night vision, allowing it to perceive details in near-total darkness where other Pokémon would be completely blind.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Noctowl Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Noctowl exhibits a balanced gender ratio of 50% male to 50% female, offering equal breeding opportunities regardless of which parent provides which genetic contribution. The species belongs to the Flying egg group, meaning it can only breed with other Pokémon in that classification, such as Pidgeot, Dragonite, Gyarados, and numerous other avian or airborne species. Breeding two compatible Pokémon will produce Hoothoot eggs, as Noctowl is not the base form of its evolutionary line. The egg hatching process requires approximately 15 cycles, translating to roughly 3,599 to 3,855 steps before the Hoothoot egg will hatch, making Noctowl neither particularly quick nor exceptionally slow in terms of breeding timelines. Noctowl maintains a base friendship value of 70 across most game generations, indicating moderate loyalty to its trainer and suggesting that Noctowl will bond reasonably quickly with patient, respectful trainers who understand its nocturnal nature. The species experiences a medium-fast growth rate in terms of experience accumulation, meaning it reaches high levels somewhat faster than Pokémon with standard growth rates but slower than truly fast-growing species like Pidgeot.
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
+657 more TMs/HMs
noctowl's Evolution Chain
Noctowl Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Noctowl evolves from Hoothoot when the latter reaches level 20, a transformation that significantly enhances its defensive capabilities and special attack power. The evolution process results in a marked increase in HP from Hoothoot's 63 to Noctowl's 100, while special defense jumps from 73 to 96—gains that reflect Noctowl's emergence as a mature, battle-hardened nocturnal hunter. Special attack also receives a substantial boost from 76 to 86, though Noctowl retains the relatively modest attack and defense stats of its pre-evolution (50 for both). The evolution is straightforward and requires no special conditions, items, or environmental triggers, making it accessible to any trainer who has invested time in raising a Hoothoot. Upon evolution, Noctowl's physical form becomes noticeably larger and more imposing, with more prominent feather horns and a more distinctive facial pattern that underscores its transformation into a formidable aerial predator. Noctowl does not possess a Mega Evolution form, nor can it undergo any additional evolution beyond its current form, representing the final stage of its evolutionary line.
Where to Find
kanto route 2
kanto
+15 more
kanto route 15
kanto
+4 more
kanto route 8
kanto
+7 more
johto route 43
johto
+3 more
kanto route 14
kanto
+4 more
kanto route 13
kanto
+4 more
kanto route 11
kanto
kanto route 27
kanto
+1 more
kanto route 25
kanto
kanto route 26
kanto
johto route 39
johto
johto route 38
johto
johto route 37
johto
ilex forest
johto
kanto route 5
kanto
sendoff spring
sinnoh
+1 more
lake valor
sinnoh
+1 more
lake acuity
sinnoh
+1 more
acuity lakefront
sinnoh
sinnoh route 210
sinnoh
+1 more
+12 more locations in other games
Noctowl Behaviour and Natural Habitat
As a strictly nocturnal Pokémon, Noctowl is most active during nighttime hours and rarely ventures out in daylight conditions. The species has developed a fascinating behavioral quirk wherein it rotates its head 180 degrees when engaged in deep thinking, a physical manifestation of its enhanced intellectual capacity during problem-solving. According to Pokédex accounts, when Noctowl flips its head completely upside down, it signals that the Pokémon is troubled or engaged in particularly complex cognitive tasks; if disturbed while in this inverted state, it will respond with aggressive pecking. Noctowl's hunting prowess is legendary, with documented evidence showing it unfailingly catches prey in complete darkness through a combination of superior vision and silent flight capabilities. The species nests primarily in trees within temperate and boreal forests, establishing territories where it can hunt throughout the night undisturbed. Noctowl demonstrates high base friendship values of 70, indicating its capacity to form strong bonds with trainers willing to accommodate its nocturnal lifestyle and unique behavioral patterns.
Pokedex Entries
Its eyes are specially adapted. They concentrate even faint light and enable it to see in the dark.
When it needs to think, it rotates its head 180 de grees to sharpen its intellectual power.
Its extremely soft feathers make no sound in flight. It silently sneaks up on prey without being detected.
NOCTOWL never fails at catching prey in darkness. This POKéMON owes its success to its superior vision that allows it to see in minimal light, and to its soft, supple wings that make no sound in flight.
It unfailingly catches prey in darkness. NOCTOWL owe their success to superior vision that allows them to see in minimal light, and to their supple and silent wings.
When it needs to think, it rotates its head 180 degrees to sharpen its intellectual power.
Its eyes are specially adapted. They concentrate even faint light and enable it to see in the dark.
Its eyes are special. They can pick out objects as long as there is the tiniest amount of light.
If it flips its head upside down, it’s a sign that it is engaged in very complex thinking.
Its eyes are specially developed to enable it to see clearly even in murky darkness and minimal light.
Its eyes are specially adapted. They concentrate even faint light and enable it to see in the dark.
When it needs to think, it rotates its head 180 degrees to sharpen its intellectual power.
Its eyes are specially developed to enable it to see clearly even in murky darkness and minimal light.
Its eyes are specially developed to enable it to see clearly even in murky darkness and minimal light.
Its eyes are specially adapted. They concentrate even faint light and enable it to see in the dark.
When it needs to think, it rotates its head 180 degrees to sharpen its intellectual power.
Noctowl never fails at catching prey in darkness. This Pokémon owes its success to its superior vision that allows it to see in minimal light, and to its soft, supple wings that make no sound in flight.
With eyes that can see in pitch-darkness, it never lets its prey escape. Some even call it “the emperor of dark nights.”
When it turns its head entirely upside down, you know it’s troubled by something. If you don’t leave it be, it will peck you.
Its eyes are specially developed to enable it to see clearly even in murky darkness and minimal light.
When it needs to think, it rotates its head 180 degrees to sharpen its intellectual power.
Noctowl Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name "Noctowl" elegantly combines "nocturnal" and "owl," directly referencing both the Pokémon's strictly nighttime activity patterns and its avian classification. The Japanese name "Yorunozuku" (ヨルノズク) similarly derives from "yoru" (夜), meaning night, and "nozuku," suggesting an observant or watchful creature—a fitting description for a Pokémon that possesses unparalleled night vision. The design inspiration is unmistakably rooted in real-world owl species, particularly large owls with prominent ear tufts such as the Great Horned Owl or Eagle Owl, though Noctowl's exaggerated cream-colored feather horns and concentric eye rings create a fantastical interpretation rather than a strict zoological replica. The distinctive triangular chest markings echo authentic owl plumage patterns while maintaining the stylized aesthetic consistent with Generation II Pokémon design philosophy. The brown color scheme—ranging from light tan to dark chocolate brown—provides natural camouflage suitable for a nocturnal forest dweller, while the cream accents and red eyes create visual contrast that makes the Pokémon recognizable and memorable despite its realistic foundation.
Learnable Moves
Noctowl can learn 96 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 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 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 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| fly | flying | Physical | 90 | 95 | 15 |
| foresight | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| future sight | psychic | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| 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 beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| hypnosis | psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| magic coat | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 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 |
| psychic noise | psychic | Special | 75 | 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 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| 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 |
Noctowl Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battle formats, Noctowl occupies a niche role as a defensively-oriented special attacker with respectable bulk and strategic versatility. Its exceptional special defense stat of 96 paired with 100 HP creates a wall capable of withstanding special attacks from many common threats, while its base 86 special attack provides sufficient offensive pressure to remain threatening. The hidden ability Tinted Lens deserves particular attention, as it doubles the damage of moves that would normally be not-very-effective, transforming apparent type disadvantages into offensive advantages—a mechanic that fundamentally alters Noctowl's strategic calculations. Standard Noctowl builds emphasize survivability through abilities like Insomnia, which prevents involuntary sleep conditions, or Keen Eye, which blocks accuracy-lowering moves from opponents. Competitive movesets typically incorporate special attack coverage moves like Psychic, Hurricane, and Dark Pulse, complemented by utility moves such as Defog for hazard removal or Roost for recovery. However, Noctowl's modest speed stat of 70 and relatively weak physical attack of 50 limit its effectiveness in faster-paced metagames where speed often determines battle outcomes, relegating it primarily to slower, bulkier competitive formats or casual competitive play rather than elite competitive tiers.
Commonly Asked Questions About Noctowl
What type is Noctowl?
Noctowl is a normal and flying type Pokemon.
What does Noctowl evolve from?
Noctowl evolved from hoothoot.
What are Noctowl's weaknesses?
Noctowl is weak to rock, electric and ice type moves.
Where can I find Noctowl?
Noctowl can be found in kanto route 2 (kanto), kanto route 15 (kanto) and kanto route 8 (kanto) and 29 other locations.
Noctowl Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Noctowl achieved significant cultural prominence through Ash Ketchum's renowned specimen in the Pokémon animated series, which evolved from his Hoothoot during the Johto region arc. Ash's Noctowl became a memorable and capable team member, featuring prominently in numerous gymnasium battles and Pokémon League competitions, thereby introducing millions of viewers worldwide to the species' capabilities and charm. The Pokémon's distinctive appearance and nocturnal nature have made it a popular choice among trainers seeking stylish, intelligent-seeming team members, and its representation in merchandise, trading cards, and supplementary media has ensured its visibility within Pokémon culture decades after its original introduction. In competitive circles, Noctowl has developed a minor cult following, particularly among players who appreciate unconventional team building and creative use of the Tinted Lens ability. The species frequently appears in fan art and community discussions exploring nocturnal-themed Pokémon teams or owl-focused collections, demonstrating lasting appeal beyond its original Generation II debut. Additionally, Noctowl's intellectual characterization—reinforced by its head-rotating thinking behavior and owl-like wisdom archetype—has positioned it as a symbol of cleverness and contemplation within the broader Pokémon franchise, contributing to its enduring presence in fan communities.
Where to Find Noctowl in Every Pokémon Game
Noctowl's availability varies significantly across different Pokémon game generations, with its primary acquisition method involving the capture and evolution of its pre-evolution Hoothoot. In Generation II games (Gold, Silver, and Crystal), Hoothoot appears commonly in early-game areas, allowing players to obtain one relatively quickly and evolve it by level 20. The species remains available in subsequent generations, though specific locations shift between games—it appears in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl's Poké Radar encounters, HeartGold and SoulSilver's early routes, and X and Y's Mountain Kalos region. In more recent generations, availability becomes more restricted; Noctowl appears in Pokémon Sword and Shield's Wild Area and select locations, while the Scarlet and Violet games feature Hoothoot in Kitakami's forest regions. Players unable to catch Hoothoot naturally can alternatively breed Noctowl specimens already in their possession, as the species produces Hoothoot eggs when bred with compatible Flying-type partners. Alternative acquisition methods include trading with other players, utilizing Pokémon Home transfer services in newer generations, or soft-resetting to encounter Noctowl through various in-game encounters. The high catch rate of 90 makes Hoothoot exceptionally easy to capture once encountered, reducing the likelihood of failed capture attempts and ensuring that any trainer can reliably add Noctowl to their team with minimal effort and resource expenditure.