pelipper
Generation III · #0279 — Water Bird Pokémon
Pelipper is a Water/Flying-type Pokémon that first appeared in Generation III, earning the designation of National Pokédex #279. Known officially as the Water Bird Pokémon, Pelipper has become iconic for its distinctive role as a messenger and courier in the Pokémon world. With a base stat total of 440, this avian Pokémon evolved from Wingull at level 25 and stands at 1.2 meters tall, weighing 28.0 kilograms. Its three distinct abilities—Keen Eye, Drizzle, and the hidden ability Rain Dish—make it a versatile choice in various battle scenarios. Pelipper's design perfectly encapsulates the essence of a faithful postal carrier of the skies, combining practical utility with authentic bird-like characteristics that have made it a beloved addition to the Pokédex.
Base Stats
Height
1.2m
Weight
28.0kg
Category
Water Bird Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
yellow
Shape
wings
Habitat
sea
Abilities
Prevents accuracy from being lowered.
Summons rain that lasts indefinitely upon entering battle.
Heals for 1/16 max HP after each turn during rain.
Pelipper Biology & Physical Characteristics
Pelipper's most striking anatomical feature is its massive bill, which dominates its physical appearance and comprises a substantial portion of its overall body structure. The bill is characterized by a vibrant yellow coloration that extends along the creature's underside, while its head is topped with a distinctive short blue crest. Its wings are remarkably wide with three blue digits each, and its feet are webbed with three digits as well, lending it exceptional aquatic and aerial mobility. The most remarkable aspect of Pelipper's physiology is the spacious throat pouch contained within its enormous bill, large enough to accommodate a small child, and used primarily for transporting eggs and small Pokémon such as its own offspring and even Pyukumuku. Its eyes are uniquely designed, consisting of two black semicircles separated by a horizontal white line, giving it an alert and intelligent appearance. This specialized anatomy allows Pelipper to function as nature's perfect delivery system, capable of skimming wave tops while scooping up food and swallowing up to thirty Wishiwashi in a single gulp.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Pelipper Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Pelipper maintains a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male to 50% female, allowing for equal opportunities in breeding across all trainer types and play styles. The species belongs to the Water 1 and Flying egg groups, making it compatible with a diverse range of breeding partners from both aquatic and aerial lineages. With a base happiness value of 70 (updated from earlier generations where it was higher), Pelipper shows moderate friendliness toward its trainers, rewarding bonding efforts while maintaining an independent spirit befitting a creature that spends much of its time soaring across open skies. The breeding cycle requires 20 egg cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps, making Pelipper a moderately quick breeder compared to other Pokémon species. Interestingly, Pokédex entries emphasize the role of male Pelipper in gathering food and caring for the young, suggesting a matriarchal or collaborative family structure where both genders contribute meaningfully to the survival and rearing of offspring. This breeding design allows competitive breeders and casual players alike to develop Pelipper with diverse natures and inherited moves, as the species can pass down a variety of techniques through its movepool to subsequent generations.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
lucky-egg
training
Held: Increases EXP earned in battle by 50%.
Cost: 10000
lucky-egg
training
Held: Increases EXP earned in battle by 50%.
Cost: 10000
pretty-wing
loot
Sell for 100 Pokédollars.
Cost: 1000
pretty-wing
loot
Sell for 100 Pokédollars.
Cost: 1000
pretty-wing
loot
Sell for 100 Pokédollars.
Cost: 1000
pretty-wing
loot
Sell for 100 Pokédollars.
Cost: 1000
pretty-wing
loot
Sell for 100 Pokédollars.
Cost: 1000
pretty-wing
loot
Sell for 100 Pokédollars.
Cost: 1000
TMs & HMs
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
tm03
xd
tm03
colosseum
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
tm06
emerald
tm06
firered leafgreen
tm06
diamond pearl
tm06
platinum
tm06
ruby sapphire
tm06
colosseum
+659 more TMs/HMs
pelipper's Evolution Chain
Pelipper Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Pelipper evolves from Wingull when the latter reaches level 25, marking a significant transformation in both appearance and capabilities. The evolution from Wingull to Pelipper represents a maturation process where the young seabird develops its characteristic massive bill and more robust frame. Upon evolution, Pelipper gains access to a broader movepool and improved base statistics, particularly in Defense (100) and Special Attack (95), making it considerably more formidable than its pre-evolution form. Notably, Pelipper does not possess a Mega Evolution form, meaning this is the final stage of its evolutionary line. However, the introduction of the Drizzle ability in Generation VII significantly enhanced Pelipper's strategic value, as this ability summons rain that lasts indefinitely upon entering battle—a feature previously exclusive to Kyogre. This modification transformed Pelipper into a viable rain-setter in competitive play, giving it newfound relevance alongside its hidden ability Rain Dish, which grants it passive healing during rain weather conditions.
Where to Find
pacifidlog town
hoenn
+3 more
lilycove city
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 125
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 126
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 127
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 128
hoenn
+3 more
ever grande city
hoenn
+3 more
dewford town
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 134
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 109
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 110
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 115
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 118
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 119
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 121
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 122
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 123
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 124
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 108
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 107
hoenn
+3 more
+46 more locations in other games
Pelipper Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Pelipper exhibits remarkably sophisticated behavior patterns that revolve around its role as both a hunter and a nurturing parent. The Pokémon searches for sustenance while in flight by skimming the tops of ocean waves, strategically using its oversized bill to scoop prey directly from the sea before swallowing everything in one massive gulp. Young male Pelipper are particularly industrious, taking on the primary responsibility of gathering food for the group and storing provisions in their capacious beaks before transporting them back to others waiting in the nest. The species constructs its nests on steep cliffs facing the sea, choosing locations that provide both protection and easy access to their ocean hunting grounds. Pelipper rests its wings by floating peacefully in the ocean waters, a behavior documented across multiple Pokédex entries. Beyond their feeding habits, Pelipper have earned a reputation as messengers of the skies, carrying small Pokémon and eggs to safety in their bills. Their protective nature extends to watching over eggs diligently, ensuring the safety of their young and other Pokémon entrusted to their care.
Pokedex Entries
PELIPPER is a flying transporter that carries small POKéMON and eggs inside its massive bill. This POKéMON builds its nest on steep cliffs facing the sea.
PELIPPER searches for food while in flight by skimming the wave tops. This POKéMON dips its large bill in the sea to scoop up food, then swallows everything in one big gulp.
It skims the tops of waves as it flies. When it spots prey, it uses its large beak to scoop up the victim with water. It protects its eggs in its beak.
It is a flying transporter that carries small POKéMON in its beak. It bobs on the waves to rest its wings.
It dips its large bill in the sea, then scoops up numerous prey along with water.
It acts as a delivery service by carrying small Pokémon in its bill. It bobs on the waves to rest.
It is a messenger of the skies, carrying small Pokémon and eggs to safety in its bill.
It protects its young in its beak. It bobs on waves, resting on them on days when the waters are calm.
It is a messenger of the skies, carrying small Pokémon and eggs to safety in its bill.
Skimming the water’s surface, it dips its large bill in the sea, scoops up food and water, and carries it.
It dips its large bill in the sea, then scoops up numerous prey along with water.
It is a messenger of the skies, carrying small Pokémon and eggs to safety in its bill.
Pelipper is a flying transporter that carries small Pokémon and eggs inside its massive bill. This Pokémon builds its nest on steep cliffs facing the sea.
Pelipper searches for food while in flight by skimming the wave tops. This Pokémon dips its large bill in the sea to scoop up food, then swallows everything in one big gulp.
Its spacious beak is large enough for a small child to fit right inside.
It places small Pokémon into its spacious beak and carries them around. No one knows where it’s taking them.
Gathering food is the work of young males. They store food in their capacious beaks and carry it back to others waiting in the nest.
It scoops up Wishiwashi in its huge beak and swallows them whole. It can devour more than 30 at one go!
It is a messenger of the skies, carrying small Pokémon and eggs to safety in its bill.
Skimming the water’s surface, it dips its large bill in the sea, scoops up food and water, and carries it.
Pelipper Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Pelipper's design is unmistakably inspired by the real-world pelican, a large water bird renowned for its enormous bill and throat pouch used for catching and storing fish. The name itself is a straightforward portmanteau combining 'pelican' with a playful suffix, reflected in its Japanese name ペリッパー (Pelipper). The creature's color scheme—predominantly white plumage with striking blue accents on its crest, wings, and feet—mirrors the coloration patterns found in various pelican species. The yellow bill represents an exaggeration of the distinctive coloring found on real pelicans, emphasizing the feature that defines the species. Game Freak's designers incorporated the pelican's natural hunting behavior of skimming water surfaces into Pelipper's Pokédex entries and move animations, maintaining biological authenticity while translating it to the Pokémon universe. The addition of webbed feet and the overall body proportions further reinforce the aquatic bird classification, while the anthropomorphized elements—such as its ability to carry items and Pokémon with intention and care—elevate it beyond a simple animal representation into a character with agency and purpose within the Pokémon world.
Learnable Moves
Pelipper can learn 87 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 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brave bird | flying | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| brine | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| chilling water | water | Special | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dual wingbeat | flying | Physical | 40 | 90 | 10 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| feather dance | flying | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| fly | flying | Physical | 90 | 95 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| gunk shot | poison | Physical | 120 | 80 | 5 |
| hail | ice | Status | — | — | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hurricane | flying | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| hydro pump | water | Special | 110 | 80 | 5 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| liquidation | water | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mist | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| muddy water | water | Special | 90 | 85 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| pluck | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scald | water | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seed bomb | grass | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shock wave | electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| sky attack | flying | Physical | 140 | 90 | 5 |
| sky drop | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| snowscape | ice | Status | 0 | — | 10 |
| soak | water | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| spit up | normal | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| steel wing | steel | Physical | 70 | 90 | 25 |
| stockpile | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| supersonic | normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| surf | water | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swallow | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| 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 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| water sport | water | Status | — | — | 15 |
| waterfall | water | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlpool | water | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| wide guard | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| wing attack | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 35 |
Pelipper Competitive Battle Guide
Pelipper has undergone a significant competitive renaissance, particularly following the introduction of the Drizzle ability in Generation VII, which fundamentally altered its strategic viability in battle formats. Its base defense stat of 100 and special attack stat of 95 provide a solid defensive foundation while maintaining respectable offensive pressure, though its relatively low attack stat of 50 and moderate HP of 60 limit its physical attacking potential. The permanent rain summoned by Drizzle synergizes exceptionally well with its hidden ability Rain Dish, granting Pelipper passive healing of 1/16 maximum HP each turn during rain—a capability that provides crucial longevity in extended battles. Competitively, Pelipper functions as both a reliable weather setter and a special attacker, learning moves such as Scald, Hurricane, and Defog that benefit from its typings and movepool. Its dual Water/Flying typing grants useful resistances to Fighting, Bug, and Fire-type moves while taking only a single weakness to Electric-type attacks, though this vulnerability demands careful team building. In rain-focused teams, Pelipper pairs exceptionally well with Pokémon that benefit from water-based conditions, such as Kingdra or Ludicolo, making it an essential component of rain-stall strategies in competitive formats ranging from Smogon's Unranked Battles to official Pokémon League competitions.
Commonly Asked Questions About Pelipper
What type is Pelipper?
Pelipper is a water and flying type Pokemon.
What does Pelipper evolve from?
Pelipper evolved from wingull.
What are Pelipper's weaknesses?
Pelipper is weak to rock and electric type moves.
Where can I find Pelipper?
Pelipper can be found in pacifidlog town (hoenn), lilycove city (hoenn) and hoenn route 125 (hoenn) and 63 other locations.
Pelipper Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Pelipper has captured the imagination of the Pokémon community as the quintessential mail carrier, serving as the literal and symbolic messenger of the Pokémon world across multiple game generations and media formats. Its role as an in-game mail delivery system in the core Pokémon games elevated it beyond a simple monster to capture into a functional infrastructure element, allowing trainers to send messages across regions. The Pokémon anime featured a particularly memorable Team Rocket Pelipper, which became one of the organization's most loyal operatives, delivering supplies and information across countless episodes and earning a place in fans' hearts despite its villainous affiliation. The species appears frequently in Pokémon manga adaptations, including Pokémon Adventures and Pokémon Journeys, where its courier abilities and gentle nature make it an ideal vehicle for plot development. Internet communities and fan art celebrate Pelipper's wholesomeness and reliability, spawning countless memes and fan creations that emphasize its role as a caring protector and faithful messenger. The Pokémon Trading Card Game has featured Pelipper in various sets, with cards highlighting its water and flying attributes and sometimes its mail-carrying abilities. This cultural significance extends beyond gaming into merchandise, plushies, and official artwork, making Pelipper one of Generation III's most recognizable and beloved Pokémon.
Where to Find Pelipper in Every Pokémon Game
Pelipper's availability has varied significantly across Pokémon game generations, though it has maintained a consistent presence since its introduction in Generation III. In the core series games, Pelipper typically appears in coastal and ocean-based environments after trainers evolve their Wingull at level 25, making it accessible in most post-game or late-game scenarios. The capture rate of 45 indicates moderate difficulty in catching wild Pelipper without proper preparation, requiring either weakening the target or using appropriate ball types for reliability. Across different regional Pokédexes, Pelipper has held various positions—appearing as #0028 in the Hoenn Pokédex (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire), #0120 in several other generations, and rotating positions through Coastal Kalos, Alola, Galar, and other regional classifications in later releases. The species has appeared in spin-off games including Pokémon GO, where it has become a staple flying-type option, and in mystery dungeon series entries. Breeding from Wingull parents offers an alternative method for obtaining Pelipper eggs with desirable characteristics and inherited moves. Its consistent availability across multiple game generations ensures that new and veteran trainers alike can readily add this dependable water bird to their team, supporting the species' enduring popularity within the competitive and casual Pokémon communities.