The Legendary Birds in "An Electrifying Rage!"
The Legendary Birds (伝説の鳥, Densetsu no Tori?) are a trio of Legendary Pokémon consisting of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. The Legendary Birds were introduced in Generation I, and they are native to the Kanto region. In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield: The Crown Tundra, their Galarian forms were introduced. The Legendary Birds are the only Legendary Pokémon to receive their own regional forms.
Members[]
| Pokédex number | Image | Pokémon | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0144 | 
|
Articuno | Ice/ |
| 0145 | 
|
Zapdos | Electric/ |
| 0146 | 
|
Moltres | Fire/ |
Galarian forms[]
| Pokédex number | Image | Pokémon | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0144A | 
|
Galarian Articuno | Psychic/ |
| 0145A | 
|
Galarian Zapdos | Fighting/ |
| 0146A | 
|
Galarian Moltres | Dark/ |
Description[]
Physical appearance[]
As they are defined, all are large avian, bird Pokémon, each representing an element of nature.
Articuno is a light-blue arctic bird with a darker crest on its head, matching the color of its long, ribbon-like tail.
Zapdos is an electric bird with a long, pointed beak and yellow plumage bristling from the electricity stored in it.
Moltres is a yellowish fiery pheonix-like bird with a fiery crest on its head, and reddish-brown legs. Both of its wings and tail are engulfed in flames.
The Legendary Birds do not have many consistent physical similarities. All of them are still giant birds with similar-looking talons, but varying slightly in color from one another. Earlier drawings of the Legendary Birds depict them with only three talons (two in the front and one in the back) instead of four.
The Legendary Birds are the first and only Legendary Pokémon to receive regional forms. Their Galarian forms have some drastic differences in appearance to their Kantonian forms. Each represent different elements than their counterparts.
Galarian Articuno is lavender-colored, with glowing eyes surrounded by a black, mask-like facial disk. It is has Psychic abilities as opposed to Ice.
Galarian Zapdos has a rugged red-orange body, legs that are significantly larger, longer and more muscular than a Kantonian Zapdos, and smaller wings than it as well. It has Fighting abilities as opposed to Electric.
Galarian Moltres has a primarily black body with scarlet highlights, and it exudes flame-like magenta plasma from its wings, crest, and tail. It has Dark abilities as opposed to Fire.
As Shiny Pokémon, the Galarian Legendary Birds are the same color as their Kantonian Legendary Bird counterparts.
Capabilities[]
Each Legendary Bird has a different primary type, affecting their abilities accordingly, but all of them have as a secondary type.
Articuno can manipulate ice, and when it flaps its wings, and can freeze moisture in the air, causing snowfall.
Zapdos is able to control electricity; when it flaps its glittering wings, it releases bolts of lightning that may result in a thunderstorm.
Moltres can control fire, and it sheds embers with each flap of its wings, creating a flash of flames.
The Galarian form of each Legendary Bird has a different type than their standard counterpart, but their abilities are still reminiscent of the ice, electricity and fire powers of their standard counterparts.
Galarian Articuno can emit telekinetic rays that immobilize its rivals, as if they were frozen.
Galarian Zapdos produces a characteristic sound when running with the rubbing of its plumage, reminiscent of an electric sparks.
Galarian Moltres emits a dark aura of ectoplasmic flames that surround its body, and can incinerate the spiritual energy of whatever touches it.
Habitats[]
The Legendary Birds make their homes in remote locations in relation to their type: Articuno lives in snowy peaks, Zapdos in storm clouds, and Moltres in mountainous areas. They are said to appear to lost travelers in the mountains to guide them on their way.
While Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres are associated mainly with the Kanto region, they have appeared in other regions as well, such as Sinnoh and Kalos.
The Galarian forms of the Legendary Birds are said to be migratory Pokémon that appear in the Crown Tundra once every few decades, to feed on the fruits of the Dyna Tree.
Moves[]
Every Legendary Bird learns moves at the same levels, particularly in multiples of five, although most of their moves differ from each other. From Generation VIII onward, every Legendary Bird learns Agility at level 20 and Ancient Power at level 25.
Every Galarian form of the Legendary Birds has its own signature move: Galarian Articuno's is Freezing Glare, in which it shoots psychic rays from its eyes, possibly freezing the target; Galarian Zapdos' is Thunderous Kick, in which the Pokémon knocks its target around with lightning-like movements before kicking it away, as well as lowering their Defense; and Galarian Moltres' is Fiery Wrath, which transforms its rage into a fiery aura that it attacks with, with the possibility of also frightening the target.
Abilities[]
The three Legendary Birds all have Pressure as their Ability. All of them also have their own Hidden Ability relating to their element: Articuno's is Snow Cloak, which increases its evasion while it is hailing; Zapdos' is Static, which can sometimes paralyze a Pokémon that uses a move that makes contact with it; Moltres' is Flame Body, which might burn the target if it uses a contact move against it.
The Galarian forms of every Legendary Bird all have their own Ability, all of which increase either the Pokémon's Attack or Special Attack under specific conditions. Galarian Articuno's is Competitive, which increases its Special Attack if an opponent lowers any of its statistics. Galarian Zapdos's is Defiant, which increases its Attack if any of its statistics are lowered by an opponent. Galarian Moltres's is Berserk, which increases its Special Attack if its health drops below 50 percent of its maximum HP.
Stats[]
The base stat values of the Legendary Birds are fairly balanced, featuring values that range from 85 to 125. All of the Legendary Birds have the same base HP. Articuno excels at Defense and Special Defense, Zapdos excels at Speed and Special Attack, and Moltres excels at both Attack and Special Attack. The Galarian forms of the Legendary Birds still have the same HP, but Galarian Articuno excels more in Special Attack and Special Defense; Galarian Zapdos excels in Attack and Speed; and Galarian Moltres excels in Special Defense and Special Attack.
Below is a table listing the base stats of each Legendary Bird:
| Pokémon | HP | Attack | Defense | Special Attack | Special Defense | Speed | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articuno | 90 | 85 | 100 | 95 | 125 | 85 | 580 |
| Galarian Articuno | 90 | 85 | 85 | 125 | 100 | 95 | 580 |
| Zapdos | 90 | 90 | 85 | 125 | 90 | 100 | 580 |
| Galarian Zapdos | 90 | 125 | 90 | 85 | 90 | 100 | 580 |
| Moltres | 90 | 100 | 90 | 125 | 85 | 90 | 580 |
| Galarian Moltres | 90 | 85 | 90 | 100 | 125 | 90 | 580 |
Etymology[]
Their names are derived from their controlling element and the numbers one, two, and three in Spanish: "Arctic", referring to the geological area and its icy climate, and "uno", one; "Zap", a strike associated with electricity, and "dos", two; and "Molt", from molten and "tres", three. Their numerical order in both the Kanto Pokédex and National Pokédex is consistent with the number suffix in their name.
Appearances[]
Core series[]
Generation I and remakes[]
In the Generation I games, Articuno is hidden within the Seafoam Islands, Zapdos is located in the Power Plant, and Moltres is encountered in Victory Road.
In Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version, Moltres appears at Mt. Ember instead, but the other two Legendary Birds still appear in the same locations.
In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!, the Legendary Birds are in the same locations as in the Generation I games. A second one of each Legendary Bird can be rarely encountered in midair within any of the routes if the player has entered the Hall of Fame, making it the only game where more than one of each Legendary Bird appears.
Pokémon Emerald Version[]
Although none of the Legendary Birds can be caught in Pokémon Emerald Version, all three are used by Brandon in the Battle Pyramid when battling for the Gold Brave Symbol.
Pokémon Platinum Version[]
In Pokémon Platinum Version, the Legendary Birds begin to roam Sinnoh after the player defeats the Pokémon League and talks to Professor Oak in his vacation home at Eterna City after first encountering him at Pal Park.
Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version[]
In Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version, the Legendary Birds are in mostly the same locations as in the Generation I games, except Moltres' location has been changed to the Mt. Silver Cave in the Johto region. If the player has all sixteen Gym Badges, Zapdos appears at the Power Plant, although just outside of it, since the Power Plant is no longer abandoned.
Pokémon X and Pokémon Y[]
In Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, one of the Legendary Birds is seen roaming Kalos after defeating the Pokémon League. The Legendary Bird that roams Kalos depends on the player's first partner Pokémon. If the player has chosen Chespin, the roaming Legendary Bird is Articuno; if they have Fennekin, it is Zapdos; and if they have Froakie, the Legendary Bird is Moltres. The Legendary Bird has to be encountered ten times until it retreats to the Sea Spirit's Den, where the player can finally battle and have the opportunity to catch it. All of the Legendary Birds are level 70.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon[]
In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, all three Legendary Birds are located in the cliff area of Ultra Space Wilds, which can be reached through the use of red Ultra Wormholes.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield: The Crown Tundra[]
The Galarian Legendary Birds first appear in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield: The Crown Tundra. During the story of Crown Tundra, the Galarian Legendary Birds can be encountered at Dyna Tree Hill, which triggers a cutscene in which each of them flee to a different location in Galar, with Galarian Articuno appearing in the Crown Tundra, Galarian Zapdos in the Wild Area, and Moltres in the Isle of Armor.
There are additional steps to capture each of the Galarian Legendary Birds. There are several areas on Crown Tundra where Galarian Articuno can appear, but mainly in the Giant's Bed and Snowslide Slope.
When Galarian Articuno is found, it splits into three parts, and the player has to identify the actual one, which is identifiable from it screeching shortly after splitting and turning its tail in a different direction than its clones.
When Galarian Zapdos is encountered in the Wild Area, it flies away immediately, followed by the player chasing it while riding their Rotom Bike. After a while, Galarian Zapdos begins to slow down, providing the opportunity to catch, and eventually stops outright.
Galarian Moltres flies in a circular route around the Isle of Armor, and it reacts to the player only if they ring the bell on their Rotom Bike when Galarian Moltres is nearby. The player can battle Galarian Moltres properly if they wait for it in an area that is part of its route.
The original Legendary Birds from Kanto can appear during a Dynamax Adventure.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl[]
In Pokémon Shining Pearl only, the Legendary Birds appear within the Kanto Room of Ramanas Park. The player can encounter a Legendary Bird if they have a Kanto Slate. Every Legendary Bird can only be encountered individiually, requiring the player to have three Kanto Slates in order to encounter each one. When all three Legendary Birds are caught, the player obtains the Squall Plate, required to encounter Lugia.
In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, the Legendary Birds can each be acquired only through trading.
The Galarian Legendary Birds do not appear in either game.
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (The Indigo Disk)[]
In Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (The Indigo Disk), the original Legendary Birds can be encountered in an area of if Snacksworth gives the player its corresponding treat. If the player has the Articuno Treat, Articuno appears in Glaseado Mountain; if they have the Zapdos Treat, Zapdos appears in South Province (Area One), and if they have the Moltres Treat, Moltres appears in Asado Desert.
The Galarian Legendary Birds cannot be encountered, but it is possible to transfer them over to the Paldea region from Pokémon HOME.
Spinoffs[]
In Pokémon Snap, one of each Legendary Bird hatches from a Pokémon Egg, something that is not possible to do in the core series.
In Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, the three Legendary Birds appear as Shadow Pokémon, and they are originally used by Grand Master Greevil.
In Pokémon GO, the Legendary Birds are each depicted on the emblems of the available teams: Articuno on the blue Team Valor; Zapdos on the yellow Team Instinct, and Moltres on the red Team Valor.
Anime[]
Pokémon: The Series[]
The Legendary Birds have appeared throughout Pokémon the Series, although they are mostly separate. The Legendary Birds are seldomly seen by humans, although they do travel to various locations across the regions, and there are legends about where the Legendary Birds would appear. Since the Legendary Birds are Legendary Pokémon, they are rarely owned by Pokémon Trainers, although Noland does have his own Articuno in Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire.
Moltres is the first Legendary Bird to appear in the anime, debuting in "All Fired Up!". Excluding Pokémon the Movie 2000, Articuno is the second to appear in the anime, debuting in "Spring Fever". Zapdos would not appear in a regular episode until Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, within the episode "Doc Brock!".
Goh had fought the three Legendary Birds throughout Pokémon Journeys: The Series, but during separate episodes.
Films[]
The three Legendary Birds proceed to attack Lugia in Pokémon the Movie 2000
All three Legendary Birds have an integral role in the plot of Pokémon the Movie 2000. Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres reside on the Ice Island, Lightning Island, and Fire Island, respectively, and they maintain the balance of nature on their respective islands. The Legendary Birds have Lugia as a mediator.
A wealthy Pokémon collector and scientist named Lawrence III, possessing a high-tech airship, had a goal to capture Lugia, but he knew that he must first acquire the Legendary Birds to awaken it. Lawrence first caught Moltres using a special device, prompting Zapdos to expand its base over to Fire Island. When Lawrence snagged Zapdos as well, he mistakenly brought over Ash and his friends in the process. Both Moltres and Zapdos were released with help from Ash and his friends'Pokémon and they promptly destroyed Lawrence's airship before he could catch Articuno. All three Legendary Birds then began to fight each other, resulting all of them causing in chaotic weather. Lugia then emerged from the sea. In his attempt to to calm the Legendary Birds, all three, as well as Lawrence, attacked Lugia, critically injuring him, and causing him to fall beneath the ocean. A local legend claimed that if the three began fighting, only Lugia could calm them. However, this would require the help of the Chosen One, who turned out to be Ash Ketchum. The Legendary Birds continued fighting, nearly destroying the Pokémon World. Meanwhile, Ash made his way to a shrine on Shamouti Island to place the treasures from the other three islands, giving Lugia the power to quell the Legendary Birds, which then returned to their respective islands in peace.
Pokémon Origins[]
In Pokémon Origins, Red catches all three Legendary Birds in "PO004: File 4 - Charizard." He later uses Articuno in the battle against Mewtwo.
Manga[]
Pokémon Adventures[]
Red, Green, & Blue Chapter[]
Zapmolcuno, the result of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres being merged together, in "The Winged Legends"
The Legendary Birds have a major role in a few chapters of the Red, Green & Blue Chapter.
When Team Rocket failed to catch Mewtwo, they decided to go after the Legendary Birds instead. The first of the Legendary Birds that appeared was Articuno, in "You Know… Articuno!", in which Team Rocket caugt it on Seafoam Islands. The second Legendary Bird that appeared is Moltres, in "Holy Moltres", in which Team Rocket catch it at the Indigo Plateau. Lastly, Zapdos was introduced in "Zap! Zap! Zapdos!", in which Team Rocket catch it at the Power Plant. The order in which the Legendary Birds are introduced in the manga is inconsistent with their number suffix, since Moltres appears before Zapdos.
With all three Legendary Birds in their possession, Team Rocket took them to Silph Co., where the protagonists—Red, Blue, and Green—went to fight Team Rocket leaders Lt. Surge, Koga, and Sabrina, respectively. The Legendary Birds obeyed the leaders. Lt. Surge uses Zapdos, Koga uses Articuno, and Sabrina uses Moltres in their respective battles. Although the leaders lost, they brought forth Moltres, who also called Zapdos and Articuno to fight Red.
In "The Winged Legends", Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres are fused into Zapmolcuno, as a result of Green activating the Pokémon Badge Energy Amplifier at the end of the previous chapter. Sabrina uses Zapmolcuno to attack the three protagonists. When Blue returns, the three protagonists manage to reverse the fusion of Zapmolcuno from a combination of Red's Venusaur using Solar Beam, Blue's Charizard using Flamethrower, and Green's Blastoise using Hydro Pump. After being separated, the three Legendary Birds return into the wild.
Crystal Chapter[]
The Legendary Birds, which are being commanded by Green, in "The Last Battle VIII"
The three Legendary Birds have a role in "The Last Battle VIII" of the Crystal Chapter. In Ilex Forest, it is revealed that Green had managed to catch the three Legendary Birds, wanting to overcome her fear of birds. Green releases the three Legendary Birds, which are used in battle against the Lugia and Ho-Oh under the control of Will and Karen's possession. When Red and Blue arrive, Green lends them her Articuno and Zapdos to help her in the aerial battle against Ho-Oh and Lugia, while Green rides on Moltres. Ho-Oh uses Sacred Fire to block a combined attack from the three Legendary Birds, followed by Lugia using an attack. With the help of the Legendary Birds and several Pokémon owned by other Pokémon Trainers, the three Pokédex Holders manage to free Lugia and Ho-Oh from the control of the Masked Man.
Trivia[]
- The Legendary Beasts, introduced in Generation II, all share the same types as the Legendary Birds with the exception of Suicune, which is a Water type instead of an Ice type.
- When Generation III introduced the Hoenn Legendary Titans, only one, Regice, shared a type with a Legendary Bird, Ice. This was the one type that wasn't shared by a Legendary Beast.
- The Tao Trio share the same types as the Legendary Birds, except they are Dragon type instead of type.
- Their trio master is Lugia, similarly to Ho-Oh being the trio master of the Legendary Beasts.
- The Legendary Birds are the name sake of three beetles discovered in real life in 2021: Binburrum articuno, Binburrum moltres, and Binburrum zapdos.[1]
- The last parts of the trio's names are the Spanish words for one, two, and three:
- Articuno
- Zapdos
- Moltres
Gallery[]
