Swellow (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
0276MS.png #0276: Taillow
Pokémon
#0278: Wingull 0278MS.png
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Swellow (disambiguation).
Swellow
Swallow Pokémon
オオスバメ
Ohsubame
#0277
Swellow



Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type
Normal Flying
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Abilities
Guts Cacophony
Cacophony
Scrappy
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Hidden Ability
Cacophony
Cacophony
Gender ratio
Unknown
50% male, 50% female
Catch rate
45 (11.9%)
Breeding
Egg Group
Flying
Hatch time
15 cycles
Height
2'04" 0.7 m
Swellow
0'0" 0 m
{{{form2}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form3}}}
0'0" 0 m
{{{form4}}}
Weight
43.7 lbs. 19.8 kg
Swellow
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form2}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form3}}}
0 lbs. 0 kg
{{{form4}}}
Mega Stone
[[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield
162
Gen. III-IV
Unknown
IV
159
V+
Leveling rate
Medium Slow
EV yield
Total: 2
Swellow
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
2
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
0
Sp.Def
0
Speed
Shape
Body09.png
Footprint
F0277.png F000.png
{{{form2}}}
Pokédex color
Blue
Base friendship
70
External Links

Swellow (Japanese: オオスバメ Ohsubame) is a dual-type Normal/Flying Pokémon introduced in Generation III.

It evolves from Taillow starting at level 22.

Biology

Swellow is a large, dark-blue bird Pokémon with a red breast and face. A crest of feathers sweeps back from the top of its head. A blue stripe separates the red markings on its head and chest, and it has a white underside. It has small, narrow eyes, a pointed, yellow beak, and red feet with black talons. Each foot has three forward-facing toes and one pointed backward. Two long, pointed feathers with red tips form its tail and are an indication of good health when standing up straight. Swellow's wings taper to a sharp point. An impressive dive-bomber, it will never miss its target. Additionally, it takes great pride in its glossy plumage and often cleans the wings of other Swellow. It searches for warm meadows while in the air. Swellow preys on Wurmple.

Evolution

Swellow evolves from Taillow.

(For specifics on this Pokémon's evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)

 
Unevolved
Taillow
 Normal  Flying 

 
First evolution
Swellow
 Normal  Flying 


In the anime

Main series

 
Swellow in the anime
 
Shiny Swellow in the anime

Major appearances

Ash's Swellow

In That's Just Swellow, Ash's Taillow evolved into a Swellow during the final round of the Crossgate PokéRinger competition.

Other

Swellow debuted in Candid Camerupt!. Vito of the Winstrate family used it to secretly protect his family.

In Sky High Gym Battle!, Winona used a Shiny Swellow during her Gym battle against Ash. It faced off against Grovyle, which it was able to defeat, but it was later defeated by Ash's own Swellow.

In the Hoopa's Surprise Ring Adventures short Flying in the Air, a Swellow was among the immense Flying-type Pokémon summoned by Hoopa to create wind for Ash and Pikachu, but their combined Gust was too much for them and sent them blasting off.

Minor appearances

In Pursuing a Lofty Goal!, a Swellow competed in the Squallville PokéRinger. It was used against a Wingull.

In A Staravia Is Born!, Team Rocket captured multiple Swellow.

Multiple Swellow appeared in Giratina and the Sky Warrior.

In Butterfree and Me!, multiple Swellow were living at Wayfarer Island.

In Genesect and the Legend Awakened, Mewtwo raced a Swellow.

In A Relay in the Sky!, a Trainer's Swellow competed in the Pokémon Sky Relay.

In The Mew from Here!, two Swellow were seen on Faraway Island.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry
AG080 Swellow Ash's Pokédex Swellow, the Swallow Pokémon. Swellow uses its impressive divebomber speed and its large talons to capture its prey.

Pokémon Generations

A soldier's Swellow appeared in The Redemption, during a fantasy of a story from the past. It was one of the many Pokémon fighting in the great war of Kalos 3,000 years previously.

In the manga

Ash & Pikachu

Main article: Ash's Swellow

Ash owns a Swellow in Ash & Pikachu, similar to the anime.

Pokémon Adventures

The Three Fires of Team Magma each own a Swellow that they use for aerial transport:

Maxie has a Swellow that first appeared in Walrein and Camerupt.

The Battle Tower rented a Swellow, which was stolen by Guile Hideout in The Final Battle VII.

Pokémon Battle Frontier

A Swellow appeared in Battle Between Student and Master!.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

A Swellow appeared in a fantasy in Legend? Check! Friends? Check!.

Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission

In Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Two, Solana captured a Swellow with her Capture Styler. It reappeared in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Three and Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Four. It was released in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Five.

In the TCG

Main article: Swellow (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
Generation III Hoenn
#026
Kanto
#—
Ruby 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.
Sapphire 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.
Emerald 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.
FireRed If its two tail feathers are standing at attention, it is proof of good health. It soars elegantly in the sky.
LeafGreen
Generation IV Sinnoh
#—
Johto
#—
Diamond It circles the sky in search of prey. When it spots one, it dives steeply to catch the prey.
Pearl
Platinum
HeartGold It dives at a steep angle as soon as it spots its prey. It catches its prey with sharp claws.
SoulSilver
Generation V Unova
#—
Black It circles the sky in search of prey. When it spots one, it dives steeply to catch the prey.
White
Black 2 It circles the sky in search of prey. When it spots one, it dives steeply to catch the prey.
White 2
Generation VI Kalos
Coastal #020
Hoenn
#026
X If its two tail feathers are standing at attention, it is proof of good health. It soars elegantly in the sky.
Y It dives at a steep angle as soon as it spots its prey. It catches its prey with sharp claws.
Omega Ruby 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.
Alpha Sapphire 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.
Generation VII Alola
#—
Kanto
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VII.
Generation VIII Galar
#—
Sinnoh
#—
Hisui
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Sword, Shield, and Legends: Arceus.
Brilliant Diamond It circles the sky in search of prey and dives sharply to catch its target.
Shining Pearl
Generation IX Paldea
#—
Kitakami
#—
Blueberry
#—
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation IX.


Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
Route 115
Emerald
Route 115
FireRed LeafGreen
Trade
Colosseum
Trade
XD
Citadark Isle (Shadow)
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
Route 213 (Poké Radar)
Platinum
Route 213 (Poké Radar)
HeartGold SoulSilver
Evolve Taillow
Pal Park
Field
Generation V
Black White
Route 13, Giant Chasm
Black 2 White 2
Route 13 (Swarm)
Dream World
Pleasant Forest, Windswept Sky
Generation VI
X Y
Evolve Taillow
Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Evolve Taillow
Generation VII
Sun Moon
Trade
Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Ultra Space Wilds (Cliff World)
Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee
Unobtainable
Generation VIII
Sword Shield
Unobtainable
Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl
Route 213 (Poké Radar)
Legends: Arceus
Unobtainable
Generation IX
Scarlet Violet
Unobtainable


In side games

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
Generation III
Pinball: R&S
Evolve Taillow
Trozei!
Secret Storage 4, Mr. Who's Den
MD Red MD Blue
Evolve Taillow
Ranger
Lyra Forest
Generation IV
MD Time MD Darkness
Concealed Ruins (B16F-B29F), World Abyss (B9F-B29F), Mt. Mistral (1F-19F)
MD Sky
Concealed Ruins (B16F-B29F), World Abyss (B9F-B29F), Mt. Mistral (1F-19F)
Ranger: SoA
Union Road
Generation V
Rumble Blast
Forest: Challenger's Ground (Post-ending)
Rumble U
Conductor Room: King of the Sky, Challenge Battle: The Battle for Sky and Land
Generation VI
Battle Trozei
Island of Haste: Stage 5
Rumble World
Starlight Islands: Time-Leap Plains (All Areas)
Generation VII
Rumble Rush
Snorlax Sea, Rayquaza Sea, Jirachi SeaFinal
Generation VIII
MD DX
Northern Range (7F-13F)
Mystery House: Sky Tower
Cross-Generation
Shuffle
Galerie Rouge: Stage 73
Masters EX
Sync pair scout: Falkner & Swellow


Held items

Games Held items
Diamond Pearl
Platinum
Black White
Black 2 White 2

Stats

Base stats

Generations III-VI
Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
60
120 - 167 230 - 324
85
81 - 150 157 - 295
60
58 - 123 112 - 240
50
49 - 112 94 - 218
50
49 - 112 94 - 218
125
117 - 194 229 - 383
Total:
430
Other Pokémon with this total
  • Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
  • Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
Generation VII onward
Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
60
120 - 167 230 - 324
85
81 - 150 157 - 295
60
58 - 123 112 - 240
75
72 - 139 139 - 273
50
49 - 112 94 - 218
125
117 - 194 229 - 383
Total:
455
Other Pokémon with this total
  • Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
  • Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed
3/3 ★★★
Power
3/5 ★★★☆☆
Skill
1/2
Stamina
4/4 ★★★★
Jump
5/5 ★★★★★
Total
16/19 ★★★


Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
Damaged
normally by:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ½×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ½×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ½×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ½×
Ghost
Steel
Fire
Water
Grass ½×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
Fairy
None
Notes:

Learnset

Swellow is available in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

By leveling up

Generation VIII
Other generations:
III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX
 Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP
011 Brave Bird Flying Physical 120120 100100% 15
011 Air Slash Flying Special 07575 09595% 15
011 Pluck Flying Physical 06060 100100% 20
011 Peck Flying Physical 03535 100100% 35
011 Growl Normal Status 0000 100100% 40
011 Focus Energy Normal Status 0000 —% 30
011 Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30
055 Focus Energy Normal Status 0000 —% 30
099 Quick Attack Normal Physical 04040 100100% 30
1313 Wing Attack Flying Physical 06060 100100% 35
1717 Double Team Normal Status 0000 —% 15
2121 Aerial Ace Flying Physical 06060 —% 20
2727 Quick Guard Fighting Status 0000 —% 15
3333 Agility Psychic Status 0000 —% 30
3939 Air Slash Flying Special 07575 09595% 15
4545 Endeavor Normal Physical 0000 100100% 5
5151 Brave Bird Flying Physical 120120 100100% 15
5757 Reversal Fighting Physical 0000 100100% 15
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Swellow
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Swellow
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM

Generation VIII
Other generations:
III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX
   TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
TM10 TM10 Work Up Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 30
TM11 TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000 —}}—% 5
TM15 TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5
TM17 TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM18 TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000 —}}—% 5
TM32 TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 15
TM40 TM40 Aerial Ace Flying Physical 06060 —}}—% 20
TM42 TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM44 TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM45 TM45 Attract Normal Status 0000 100}}100% 15
TM46 TM46 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25
TM47 TM47 Steel Wing Steel Physical 07070 090}}90% 25
TM51 TM51 Roost Flying Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM58 TM58 Endure Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM68 TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5
TM82 TM82 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM87 TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000 085}}85% 15
TM88 TM88 Pluck Flying Physical 06060 100}}100% 20
TM89 TM89 U-turn Bug Physical 07070 100}}100% 20
TM90 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000 —}}—% 10
TM94 TM94 Fly Flying Physical 09090 095}}95% 15
TM97 TM97 Defog Flying Status 0000 —}}—% 15
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Swellow
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Swellow
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation VIII
Other generations:
III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX
 Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
Boomburst Normal Special 140 100% 10
Brave Bird Flying Physical 120 100% 15
Hurricane Flying Special 110 70% 10
Sky Attack Flying Physical 140 90% 5
Supersonic Normal Status 55% 20
Whirlwind Normal Status —% 20
  • Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Swellow in Generation VIII
  • Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation.
  • Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Swellow in that game.
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Swellow
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Swellow
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation VIII
Other generations:
III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX
 Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Swellow
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Swellow
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

Generation VIII
Other generations:
III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX
 Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 
This Pokémon has no moves exclusive to prior evolutions.
  • Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Swellow
  • Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Swellow
  • Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball RS
 
Acquisition: Evolve
Pokémon Trozei!
 
Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team
Body size: 1
Recruit rate: Evolve
Friend Area: Beau Plains
Phrases
51%-100% HP I'm a wanderer. The skies are free!
26%-50% HP I don't like this... My health shouldn't be down to half.
1%-25% HP I'm falling... My wings have failed me...
Level up I've gained in level! I can soar higher and farther!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky
  Body size: 1
Recruit rate: 0.5%
IQ group: D
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
 

Body size: Standard (1 tile)
How to Recruit: Item delivery
Connected to: Wurmple, Beautifly, Talonflame, Flabébé, Floette, Florges
Connection Orb Set: 3

Phrases
Normal I'm Swellow of Team Tasty! Wurmple is my trusted partner!
Low HP (< 50%) It's getting to be too rough to fly around...
Pokémon Ranger
Group:
Flying
Poké Assist:  
Flying
Field move:   
(Gust ×2)
Loops: 6 Min. exp.: 42 Max. exp.: 59
Browser entry R-037
Swellow darts quickly through the air while flapping its wings to create gusts.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
Group:
Flying
Poké Assist:  
Flying
Field move:  
(Cut ×2)
Browser entry R-007
It whips up gusts with its wings to attack. It also rams targets.
Pokémon Rumble Blast
Attack ●●●
Defense ●●
Speed ●●●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush
  Walking Speed: 1.17 seconds Base HP: 51
Base Attack: 77 Base Defense: 49 Base Speed: 80
Pokémon Battle Trozei
Flying
Attack Power: ★★★★★

 

Pokémon Shuffle
 
Flying
  Attack Power: 60 - 105   5

#080
 

Cloud Clear
Clears away one black-cloud disruption without fail.
  Swappable Skill(s): Barrier Shot


Pokémon GO
  Base HP: 155 Base Attack: 185 Base Defense: 124
Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 1 km Evolution Requirement: N/A
Fast Attacks: Wing Attack, Steel Wing
Charged Attacks: Aerial Ace, Brave Bird, Sky Attack

Evolution data

 
Unevolved
Taillow
 Normal  Flying 
 
Level 22
 
First evolution
Swellow
 Normal  Flying 


Sprites

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen
           
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver
           
           
Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V
Black White Black 2 White 2
       
       
Front Back Front Back
Generation VI
X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire
Front Back Front Back
Generation VII
Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon
Front Back Front Back
This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation IX.
Cross-Generation
HOME
   
  For other sprites and images, please see Swellow images on the Bulbagarden Archives.


Trivia

Origin

Swellow seems to be based on a swallow, specifically the barn swallow or welcome swallow. Its colors and crest are also similar to those of a treeswift. Its predatory behavior and speedy flight may be based on falcons or the swallow-tailed kite. Its Shiny colors and long tail feathers resemble those of the resplendent quetzal.

Name origin

Swellow may be a combination of swell (excellent, or to grow larger) and swallow.

Ohsubame may be a corruption of 大燕 ōtsubame (large swallow).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning
  Japanese オオスバメ Ohsubame From the corruption of 大燕 ōtsubame
  French Hélédelle From ailé, and hirondelle
  Spanish Swellow Same as English name
  German Schwalboss From Schwalbe and Boss
  Italian Swellow Same as English name
  Korean 스왈로 Swalow From swallow
  Mandarin Chinese 大王燕 Dàwángyàn From 大王 dàwáng and yàn
  Cantonese Chinese 大王燕 Daaihwòhngyin From 大王 daaihwòhng and yin


Related articles

External links


  #0276: Taillow
Pokémon
#0278: Wingull  
  This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.