Swellow is a large dark blue bird Pokémon with a red breast and face. It has a crest of blue feathers sweeping back from its head, a vertical stripe of blue extending into its chest, and a white belly. It has sharply shaped wings with white undersides and two, red-tipped tail feathers. It has red feet with black talons. It is an impressive dive-bomber, and will never miss its target. It searches for warm meadows while in the air. It also takes great pride in its glossy plumage, and often cleans the wings of other Swellow.
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 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.
Game locations
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III.
Swellow is the fastest non-legendary Normal-type Pokémon, with a Speed base stat of 125.
Origin
Swellow is based directly on swallows, specifically a barn swallow or welcome swallow. However, it shares characteristics with other types of birds as well. In terms of behavior, its predatory habits and incredible speed suggest inspiration from falcons, or perhaps the swallow-tailed kite. Its coloration, appearance, and crested head are similar to treeswifts, though its head also resembles that of a secretary bird. Swellow's Shiny colors of green, red and white, combined with its two long tail feathers, also resemble the Resplendent Quetzal.
Name origin
Swellow is a combination of swell (to grow larger) and swallow.
Ohsubame is a corruption of 大燕 ōtsubame (large swallow). Ohsubame may also mean big Subame.