swellow
Generation III · #0277 — Swallow Pokémon
Swellow, known as the Swallow Pokémon, is a Normal/Flying-type Pokémon introduced in Generation III with a National Pokédex number of 277. This elegant avian Pokémon represents the fully evolved form of Taillow, achieved through leveling up to level 22. With a base stat total of 455, Swellow is characterized by its exceptional Speed stat of 125, making it one of the faster flying-types available in the early game. Despite its relatively modest overall stats, Swellow's speed-focused design and versatile movepool make it a practical choice for both casual players and competitive battlers seeking a speedy physical attacker with aerial coverage. The species has maintained relatively consistent stats across generations, though it experienced a Special Attack increase from 50 to 75 starting in Generation VII, broadening its tactical options considerably.
Base Stats
Height
0.7m
Weight
19.8kg
Category
Swallow Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
blue
Shape
wings
Habitat
grassland
Abilities
Increases Attack to 1.5× with a major status ailment.
Lets the Pokémon's normal and fighting moves hit ghost Pokémon.
Swellow Biology & Physical Characteristics
Swellow is a large avian Pokémon with a striking dark-blue plumage covering most of its body, contrasted dramatically by a vibrant red breast and facial markings separated by a distinctive blue stripe. The species features a prominent crest of feathers that sweeps backward from the top of its head, contributing to its aerodynamic appearance. Standing at 0.7 meters (2'04") tall and weighing 19.8 kilograms (43.7 lbs), Swellow possesses sharp, tapered wings optimized for diving pursuits. Its small, narrow eyes and pointed yellow beak reflect its predatory nature, while its feet are equipped with three forward-facing toes and one backward-pointing toe, each bearing black talons suited for gripping prey. Two long, pointed tail feathers with red tips extend from its rear, serving as a health indicator—when standing at full attention, these feathers indicate a Swellow in peak condition. The species takes considerable pride in maintaining its glossy plumage, often engaging in mutual grooming behavior with other Swellow to keep their feathers pristine and functional.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Swellow Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Swellow exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, allowing trainers equal opportunity to obtain either sex through natural breeding or wild encounters. The species belongs to the Flying Egg Group, meaning it can breed with various other Pokémon within that classification, including Pidgeot, Dragonite, Butterfree, and numerous other flying-type species. The breeding process for Swellow requires 15 egg cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 3,599 to 3,855 steps, making it a moderately quick breeder compared to legendary or pseudo-legendary Pokémon. With a base friendship value of 70, Swellow hatchlings begin with relatively high affection toward their trainers, making them amenable to bonding and developing strong relationships quickly. The species' medium-slow growth rate means it progresses through levels at a moderate pace, requiring consistent training and experience to reach its maximum potential. Trainers seeking competitive Swellow specimens often engage in breeding programs to obtain individuals with optimal natures and individual values, particularly those with positive Speed-enhancing natures like Jolly or Timid to maximize its naturally exceptional 125 Speed stat.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
charti-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Rock-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
charti-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Rock-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
charti-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Rock-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
charti-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Rock-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
charti-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Rock-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
charti-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Rock-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
charti-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Rock-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
charti-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Rock-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
charti-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Rock-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
TMs & HMs
tm01
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
sun moon
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
tm06
black 2 white 2
tm06
xd
tm06
black white
tm06
heartgold soulsilver
tm06
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm06
ultra sun ultra moon
tm06
sun moon
+456 more TMs/HMs
swellow's Evolution Chain
Swellow Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Swellow evolves exclusively from Taillow upon reaching level 22, representing a straightforward linear evolution within its small evolutionary family. The evolution process transforms Taillow from a smaller, less developed swallow into the more robust and powerful Swellow, with noticeable increases in Attack (from 60 to 85), Special Attack (from 50 to 75), and Speed (from 75 to 125), making it significantly faster and more offensively capable. This evolution marks a significant power spike for players, particularly in Speed where Swellow gains a substantial 50-point increase, often allowing it to outpace many opponents in casual play. The transformation also increases Swellow's base experience yield from 58 to 159 (depending on generation), making it a more rewarding Pokémon to train. Unlike many other evolved Pokémon, Swellow has not received Mega Evolution or Gigantamax forms across any generation, remaining in its standard form throughout all games. The evolutionary line remains relatively simple compared to other starter-route Pokémon, focusing on straightforward stat increases rather than form changes or significant ability shifts.
Where to Find
hoenn route 115
hoenn
sinnoh route 213
sinnoh
+9 more
giant chasm
unova
+1 more
unova route 13
unova
+1 more
ultra space wilds
alola
Swellow Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Swellow is an accomplished aerial hunter that demonstrates remarkable precision in its hunting techniques, diving at steep angles upon spotted prey with remarkable accuracy, never missing its targets according to Pokédex records. The species circles the sky in continuous search patterns, scanning the ground below for suitable meals, particularly favoring Wurmple as prey. According to multiple Pokédex entries, Swellow actively seeks out warm climate regions and meadows during its aerial expeditions, suggesting a preference for temperate to tropical environments. Once prey is identified, the Pokémon executes a dramatic diving maneuver, employing its sharp claws to firmly grasp the unfortunate target and prevent escape. Swellow exhibits notable social behavior, with multiple individuals gathering to engage in collaborative wing cleaning and maintenance activities, demonstrating a conscientious nature regarding personal grooming standards. The species is known for its graceful, elegant flight patterns characterized by sweeping arcs across the sky, combining both functionality and aesthetic appeal in its aerial movements.
Pokedex Entries
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.
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.
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.
If its two tail feathers are standing at attention, it is proof of good health. It soars elegantly in the sky.
It circles the sky in search of prey. When it spots one, it dives steeply to catch the prey.
It dives at a steep angle as soon as it spots its prey. It catches its prey with sharp claws.
It circles the sky in search of prey. When it spots one, it dives steeply to catch the prey.
It circles the sky in search of prey. When it spots one, it dives steeply to catch the prey.
If its two tail feathers are standing at attention, it is proof of good health. It soars elegantly in the sky.
It dives at a steep angle as soon as it spots its prey. It catches its prey with sharp claws.
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.
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.
Swellow Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Swellow is derived from a combination of "swallow," the common bird species, and "yellow," referencing the yellow beak visible on the Pokémon's design. The Japanese name Ohsubame (オオスバメ) combines "ō" (meaning large) with "subame" (the Japanese word for swallow), emphasizing its status as the larger evolved form of Taillow. The design itself draws heavy inspiration from real-world swallows, particularly in its streamlined body shape, pointed wings, and rapid diving hunting behavior characteristic of these birds. The red and blue coloration scheme, combined with the distinctive tail feathers, creates a visually striking appearance that differentiates Swellow from typical brown or gray swallows found in nature, giving it a more fantastical and memorable aesthetic. The pointed, tapered wing design specifically references the aerial agility and speed associated with swallows in the natural world, birds renowned for their exceptional maneuverability and hunting prowess. The two-feathered tail design is particularly notable, serving both as a health indicator and a distinctive visual marker that makes Swellow instantly recognizable among other flying-type Pokémon.
Learnable Moves
Swellow can learn 56 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| brave bird | flying | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fly | flying | Physical | 90 | 95 | 15 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 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 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| quick guard | fighting | Status | — | — | 15 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sky attack | flying | Physical | 140 | 90 | 5 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| steel wing | steel | Physical | 70 | 90 | 25 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tailwind | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| wing attack | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 35 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
Swellow Competitive Battle Guide
Swellow's competitive viability centers almost entirely on its blazing 125 Speed stat, which allows it to consistently outspeed a substantial portion of the metagame and execute priority moves or attacks before most opponents can respond. Its 85 Attack stat provides reasonable offensive pressure when utilized with appropriate physical moves like Brave Bird—its signature STAB move that deals substantial damage while inflicting recoil damage—Earthquake, and Close Combat through breeding or tutoring. The ability Guts transforms Swellow into an effective physical sweeper if it acquires a burn, paralysis, poison, or freeze status, boosting its Attack to 1.5 times its normal value and potentially overwhelming defensive walls. The hidden ability Scrappy allows Swellow's Normal and Fighting-type moves to bypass Ghost-type immunity, providing coverage utility and enabling moves like Close Combat to guarantee damage against otherwise resistant opponents. However, Swellow's defensive typing leaves it vulnerable to common competitive threats like Stealth Rock entry hazards, which exploit its Flying-type weakness and chip away health with each switch-in, limiting its practical switching opportunities. Its moderate Special Defense of 50 makes it particularly fragile to special attackers, and its Defense of 60 leaves it vulnerable to priority moves and physical assaults despite its speed advantage, relegating it primarily to offensive roles rather than bulky pivots.
Commonly Asked Questions About Swellow
What type is Swellow?
Swellow is a normal and flying type Pokemon.
What does Swellow evolve from?
Swellow evolved from taillow.
What are Swellow's weaknesses?
Swellow is weak to rock, electric and ice type moves.
Where can I find Swellow?
Swellow can be found in hoenn route 115 (hoenn), sinnoh route 213 (sinnoh) and giant chasm (unova) and 2 other locations.
Swellow Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Swellow achieved notable cultural prominence through its role as a major member of Ash Ketchum's team in the Pokémon anime series, where it evolved from Ash's Taillow and became a reliable powerhouse throughout the Hoenn region arc and beyond. This significant anime presence introduced millions of viewers to Swellow's combat capabilities and personality, establishing it as a recognizable and beloved Pokémon among fans who grew up with the Advanced Generation series. The species has maintained consistent representation across various Pokémon media, including the trading card game, manga adaptations, and spin-off titles, though it has never achieved the iconic status of franchise mascots like Charizard or Dragonite. Swellow's role in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Darkness as a member of Team Tasty provided comedic narrative value, particularly through the humorous dynamic between Swellow and Wurmple, its natural prey species. The Pokémon's elegant design and graceful flight patterns have made it a popular choice for fan art and creative interpretations within the community. Its competitive presence in various metagames has earned it respect among competitive players who appreciate its speed-focused design philosophy and straightforward tactical approach to battles.
Where to Find Swellow in Every Pokémon Game
Swellow is widely available across numerous Pokémon games, primarily obtainable through catching Taillow in early game routes and evolving it to level 22, or through direct encounter in later game areas where evolved Pokémon appear. In the original Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald versions, Swellow holds local Pokédex number 26 and can be found in various routes and flying encounters throughout the Hoenn region. The species reappears in subsequent generations with consistent availability, including HeartGold and SoulSilver where it maintains accessibility to players seeking a reliable flying-type team member. In later generations like X and Y, Swellow is classified as Pokédex number 20 in the Coastal Kalos regional collection, appearing in specific habitats accessible after obtaining fly privileges. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire feature Swellow prominently with national Pokédex number 277 maintained throughout remakes. The Pokémon's catch rate of 45 makes it moderately difficult to capture in its Taillow form, though the relatively low level range of encounters (typically between 3-15 for Taillow) allows early-game players to obtain and train one for their team. Modern games including Sword and Shield, Scarlet and Violet, and other recent titles continue to feature Swellow with consistent availability, ensuring its accessibility remains consistent across the Pokémon franchise.