Rookidee: The Rookie Bird

Rookidee is a small Flying-type Pokémon encountered early in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Its evolution line includes Corvisquire and Corviknight, following a naming scheme that reflects a progression from novice (rookie) to adept (squire) to master (knight).

According to the Pokédex, Rookidee boldly confronts any adversary, regardless of their strength. Its distinctive yellow, blue, and black coloring draws parallels to the Eurasian blue tit, a small yet assertive bird that weighs only around 11 grams.

Corvisquire: The Squire

The names of Rookidee's evolutions, Corvisquire and Corviknight, highlight their connection to the Corvidae family, which encompasses crows, ravens, jays, and magpies.

Corvisquire's striking black and blue feathers and its lineage suggest inspiration from two specific birds: the Steller's jay and the Hooded crow.

The Steller's jay, a North American native, is an omnivorous bird that feeds on fruits, insects, and small mammals.

Corvisquire's dark markings are reminiscent of the hooded crow, which inhabits Northern, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as parts of the Middle East. Like its relatives, the hooded crow is an opportunistic feeder.

Corviknight: The Knight

The final evolution of Rookidee, Corviknight, is a large, dark Steel and Flying-type Pokémon. While it may appear fierce, it serves as a gentle taxi service for travelers in the Galar region, away from the threats posed by Tinkaton.

Corviknight bears a striking resemblance to a raven. The common raven's iridescent feathers appear bluish in sunlight, similar to Corviknight's glossy plumage.

Cramorant: The Unique Bird

Another bird-inspired Pokémon from Generation VIII is Cramorant. Its design and name are clearly influenced by the cormorant, but its unique abilities add an interesting twist.

Cramorant possesses a special ability known as Gulp Missile, where it captures prey in its beak and launches it at opponents, causing damage.

This ability likely draws inspiration from the traditional practice of cormorant fishing, where these birds are trained to catch fish and return them to their handlers.

Eiscue: The Ice-Type Bird

Eiscue is an Ice-type Pokémon that can switch between two forms: Ice form and Noice form. Depending on its current form, Eiscue may conceal its head within an ice cube.

In the Pokémon universe, Eiscue is known to float with its head above water, a behavior reminiscent of the extinct great auk, which once inhabited the North Atlantic.

While the great auk shared similarities with penguins, it is not closely related to them. Interestingly, the term "penguin" originally referred to the great auk, which was named in the sixteenth century and may have derived from the Welsh term for "white head."

This historical context highlights how the great auk has influenced the nomenclature of modern birds, leading to the classification of penguins under a different family name.

Learn more about the legendary birds in Pokémon Generation VIII with these videos:

Explore the legendary bird Pokémon of every type and their unique features.

Dive into the rich history and lore surrounding the legendary birds in the Pokémon universe.