taillow
Generation III · #0276 — Tiny Swallow Pokémon
Taillow is a diminutive Normal/Flying-type Pokémon introduced in Generation III that exemplifies courage far exceeding its modest stature. As the Tiny Swallow Pokémon, Taillow holds National Pokédex number 276 and serves as an early-game flying-type option for trainers exploring the Hoenn region. Standing merely 0.3 meters (1 foot) tall and weighing only 2.3 kilograms (5.1 pounds), this pint-sized avian possesses a disproportionate amount of determination and fighting spirit that belies its diminutive frame. Taillow's defining characteristic is its remarkable gutsy personality, which drives it to fearlessly confront opponents of any size, maintaining its defiant attitude even in defeat. Despite its early-game classification, Taillow represents a compelling character study in the Pokémon universe about courage and perseverance overcoming physical limitations.
Base Stats
Height
0.3m
Weight
2.3kg
Category
Tiny 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.
Taillow Biology & Physical Characteristics
Taillow displays the characteristic morphology of a small swallow, featuring predominantly dark blue plumage across its wings and back. A striking red marking with pointed tips extends from its chest to its forehead, creating a distinctive visual identity, while its underside maintains a contrasting white coloration. The Pokémon possesses narrow brown eyes and a short yellow beak suited to its insectivorous diet, particularly favoring Wurmple as prey. Its most notable anatomical features include elongated, pointed wingtips that facilitate rapid aerial maneuvers and two sharply pointed tail feathers that give the species its namesake appearance. Each foot bears three forward-facing toes and one backward-facing toe, with yellow talons providing grip capability. The species exhibits a base stat total of 270 points, with notable investment in Speed at 85, reflecting its aerial prowess, while its physical and special defenses remain relatively modest at 30 each, indicating its vulnerability to direct attacks despite its high mobility.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Taillow Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Taillow exhibits an even gender distribution, with exactly 50% of the species being male and 50% female, facilitating straightforward breeding mechanics within the Egg Groups system. The species belongs exclusively to the Flying Egg Group, a classification that allows it to produce eggs when paired with other Pokémon of compatible breeding groups, enabling the propagation of Taillow and its evolutionary line. With a base Friendship value of 70 (across Generations III through VII, later adjusted in subsequent generations), Taillow demonstrates moderate initial affinity toward trainers, rewarding those who interact positively with the species and encouraging bonding during early-game progression. The species requires 15 egg cycles to hatch, translating to approximately 3,599–3,855 steps, placing it in the moderate incubation category that rewards patient breeding efforts without excessive time investment. Breeding pairs produce exclusively Taillow offspring, maintaining the species' availability for trainers who prefer natural reproduction over catching wild specimens, though the capture rate of 200 makes wild encounters sufficiently accessible for typical gameplay progression.
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
tm04
yellow
tm04
red blue
tm04
red green japan
tm04
blue japan
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
+432 more TMs/HMs
taillow's Evolution Chain
Taillow Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Taillow undergoes a single evolutionary transformation into Swellow upon reaching level 22, a relatively early evolution point that reflects its role as an accessible starter flying-type for novice trainers. This evolution represents a dramatic shift in capabilities, as Swellow gains significantly enhanced stats across most categories—particularly in Attack, Special Attack, and Speed—alongside a modest increase in defensive parameters. The evolutionary process maintains Taillow's Normal/Flying typing while transforming its physical form into a more streamlined, swift raptor-like appearance. Notably, Taillow does not possess any Mega Evolution forms, keeping it aligned with the design philosophy of early-generation Pokémon that eschewed Mega Evolution mechanics introduced in later generations. The evolution line exemplifies Generation III's design philosophy of creating accessible, viable early-game companions that could genuinely remain competent throughout a player's journey with proper training and strategic movepool utilization.
Where to Find
hoenn route 116
hoenn
+6 more
petalburg woods
hoenn
+3 more
hoenn route 115
hoenn
+6 more
hoenn route 104
hoenn
+3 more
Taillow Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Taillow exhibits remarkable behavioral traits that establish it as one of the Pokémon world's most determined species despite its youth and small size. Having recently left its nest, individual Taillow experience periods of loneliness and cry at night, as documented in Sapphire Pokédex entries, revealing the vulnerability beneath their courageous exterior. The species demonstrates an extraordinary willingness to engage larger opponents on equal footing, with documented encounters showing Taillow battling Skarmory without hesitation, though its resolve weakens considerably when hunger sets in—a critical weakness that dampens its otherwise fearless nature. During cold seasons, Taillow undertakes extraordinary migratory journeys, flying over 180 miles per day in search of warmer climates, demonstrating both biological adaptation and remarkable endurance for such a small creature. The species primarily inhabits forested regions where Wurmple populations thrive, though flocks have been observed raiding agricultural areas for crops, indicating behavioral flexibility in food acquisition strategies.
Pokedex Entries
TAILLOW courageously stands its ground against foes, however strong they may be. This gutsy POKéMON will remain defiant even after a loss. On the other hand, it cries loudly if it becomes hungry.
TAILLOW is young - it has only just left its nest. As a result, it sometimes becomes lonesome and cries at night. This POKéMON feeds on WURMPLE that live in forests.
Although it is small, it is very courageous. It will take on a larger SKARMORY on an equal footing. However, its will weakens if it becomes hungry.
It dislikes cold seasons. They migrate to other lands in search of warmth, flying over 180 miles a day.
It has a gutsy spirit that makes it bravely take on tough foes. It flies in search of warm climates.
When it gets cold, they migrate, flying over 180 miles a day. It hunts for tasty prey.
It has a gutsy spirit that makes it bravely take on tough foes. It flies in search of warm climates.
It has a gutsy spirit that makes it bravely take on tough foes. It flies in search of warm climates.
It has a gutsy spirit that makes it bravely take on tough foes. It flies in search of warm climates.
It dislikes cold seasons. They migrate to other lands in search of warmth, flying over 180 miles a day.
Taillow courageously stands its ground against foes, however strong they may be. This gutsy Pokémon will remain defiant even after a loss. On the other hand, it cries loudly if it becomes hungry.
Taillow is young—it has only just left its nest. As a result, it sometimes becomes lonesome and cries at night. This Pokémon feeds on Wurmple that live in forests.
Taillow Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Taillow's nomenclature derives elegantly from the combination of 'tail' and 'swallow,' with its Japanese name スバメ (Subame) directly translating to 'swallow,' emphasizing the species' avian classification. The design philosophy emphasizes diminutiveness and youth—the official Genus designation as 'Tiny Swallow Pokémon' underscores the intentional contrast between physical smallness and psychological boldness that defines the species' character. Visually, Taillow's design echoes real-world barn swallows and similar small passerine birds, particularly evident in its forked tail feathers and sleek body structure optimized for aerial agility. The red chest marking appears inspired by the distinctive coloration found on various swallow species, while the blue plumage suggests connections to blue jay and bluebird aesthetics. This design synthesis creates a Pokémon that feels simultaneously grounded in natural ornithological observation while distinctly inhabiting the Pokémon universe's visual language, making Taillow immediately recognizable and thematically coherent within Generation III's Hoenn region setting.
Learnable Moves
Taillow can learn 61 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 |
| boomburst | normal | Special | 140 | 100 | 10 |
| 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 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hurricane | flying | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mirror move | flying | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 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 |
| pursuit | dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| quick guard | fighting | Status | — | — | 15 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| refresh | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 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 |
| supersonic | normal | Status | — | 55 | 20 |
| 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 |
| whirlwind | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| wing attack | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 35 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
Taillow Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Taillow occupies a restricted niche due to its limited availability window before evolution and modest base stat total of 270, with particularly weak Special Attack and Defense values at 30 each. The species' primary competitive attribute remains its exceptional Speed stat of 85, which translates to a maximum of 295 Speed at level 100 with beneficial nature and maximum investment, sufficient to outspeed many common early-game opponents but ultimately outpaced by dedicated speed-focused threats. Taillow's offensive potential derives primarily from its Attack stat of 55, supplemented by access to physical moves like Peck, Wing Attack, and Endeavor, with the latter move synergizing excellently with its gutsy personality and tendency toward lower health values. The Guts ability amplifies Attack to 1.5× when afflicted with major status conditions, creating potential strategies involving controlled status application, though the practical implementation remains limited in competitive formats. The hidden ability Scrappy provides utility by enabling Normal and Fighting-type moves to affect Ghost-type Pokémon, a consideration that rarely justifies Taillow's team slot in serious competitive environments. Most competitive applications involve rapid evolution to Swellow rather than extended usage of the base form, with Taillow primarily serving as a stepping stone rather than a competitive entity in its own right.
Commonly Asked Questions About Taillow
What type is Taillow?
Taillow is a normal and flying type Pokemon.
What does Taillow evolve into?
Taillow evolves into swellow.
What are Taillow's weaknesses?
Taillow is weak to rock, electric and ice type moves.
Where can I find Taillow?
Taillow can be found in hoenn route 116 (hoenn), petalburg woods (hoenn) and hoenn route 115 (hoenn) and 1 other locations.
Taillow Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Taillow achieved significant prominence within Pokémon anime canon through its major appearance as Ash Ketchum's first capture in the Hoenn region, establishing the species as emblematic of the Generation III era's early narrative. This pivotal role solidified Taillow's cultural recognition among players and viewers, transforming it from a simple pokédex entry into a character with substantial emotional resonance and memorable battle sequences. The species' appearance in multiple animated adaptations, including the Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire animated trailer and various POKÉTOON productions, ensured sustained visibility across diverse media platforms and generational audiences. Taillow's thematic emphasis on courage despite physical limitations resonated with audiences, establishing it as a relatable underdog character that transcended typical early-game disposability stereotypes. The species maintains consistent representation in the Trading Card Game since its introduction, with various card iterations reflecting different gameplay mechanics and artistic interpretations throughout Pokémon TCG history. Fan communities continue celebrating Taillow's cultural significance, with the species maintaining strong recognition among players who experienced Generation III content, contributing to its enduring legacy as a beloved Generation III representative.
Where to Find Taillow in Every Pokémon Game
Taillow demonstrates excellent availability throughout the Generation III games, appearing early in the Hoenn region's progression as a common encounter in grassy areas and as a gift Pokémon in certain story sequences. In Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, Taillow becomes available immediately after obtaining Pokéballs, functioning as one of the earliest capturable flying-type options and serving as a practical team member throughout the campaign. The species maintains consistent availability in subsequent remakes, appearing in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire with similar early-game prevalence, allowing modern players the identical experience of incorporating Taillow into their Hoenn region journey. Across Generation VI titles Pokémon X and Y, Taillow appears in the Coastal Kalos region with Pokédex number 0019, providing an additional avenue for species acquisition outside Hoenn. The species continues appearing sporadically in later generations, with availability fluctuating based on specific game versions and regional Pokédex inclusions, though it never achieves the universal accessibility of truly ubiquitous species. For players seeking consistent Taillow availability, Generation III entries and the Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire remakes represent the most reliable options, with the species' early-game classification ensuring multiple encounter opportunities and straightforward capture prospects.