Pigeons are a common sight in cities around the world. With their gray feathers and familiar cooing sounds, these birds have become an integral part of the urban landscape. But did you know that there is a special pigeon Pokémon as well? This Pokémon is known as Pidgey in the Pokémon universe.
Introducing Pidgey
Pidgey made its first appearance in the original Pokémon Red and Blue games for the Game Boy. This Pokémon takes the form of a small pigeon with brown and cream-colored plumage. It has black angular eyes and a short yellow beak. Its wings are short but broad, enabling it to fly swiftly when needed. Just like regular city pigeons, Pidgey is very common and can be found in most environments in the Pokémon world.
In terms of classification, Pidgey is a dual Normal and Flying type Pokémon. This means it possesses traits of both bird and regular animals. Pidgey starts out relatively weak in battle but can evolve into the more powerful Pidgeotto starting at level 18. After that, it can evolve into Pidgeot at level 36. Pidgeot resembles a large bird of prey and can be a formidable battler.
Pidgey’s Appearances
Since its introduction on the Game Boy, Pidgey has appeared in every generation of the Pokémon video games. Usually it is one of the first Pokémon players can capture when they start their journey. Pidgey and its evolutions are also featured heavily in the Pokémon anime series. One of the main characters, Ash Ketchum, captures a Pidgey early on in the first season. Later it evolves into Pidgeotto and then Pidgeot to become one of Ash’s powerful battling Pokémon.
Pidgey and its evolved forms have also made numerous appearances in the Pokémon movies that accompany the TV show. The original Pidgeot Ash befriends in the show plays a central role in the first Pokémon movie Mewtwo Strikes Back. In the film, all the Pokémon get captured by the genetically enhanced Mewtwo. To rescue them, Ash rides on Pidgeot to try and save the day. This cemented Pidgeot’s image as a valiant Pokémon capable of immense loyalty.
Pidgey’s Characteristics
So what makes Pidgey stand out from other Pokémon? Here are some of the key characteristics of this bird Pokémon:
Appearance
As described earlier, Pidgey takes the form of a pudgy pigeon. It appears very similar to the common rock pigeon species found in many cities globally. Its most notable feature is the tuft of reddish feathers protruding from its head. The rest of its plumage is a tan color with black markings around its eyes.
Abilities
Pidgey shares abilities with normal birds, especially pigeons. It can fly swiftly, but only for short distances. Its lightweight body and broad wings allow it to quickly change direction in flight. However, Pidgey tires easily and needs to rest after traveling a moderate distance. It spends most of its time foraging on the ground for seeds, berries, and insects.
Behavior
This Pokémon displays the archetypal flocking behavior of regular pigeons. Pidgey congregate in large groups that take off and settle down in unison. They coo softly while roosting in treetops and ledges. When confronted, Pidgey prefers to flee rather than fight. But if forced into battle, it can whip up sand with its wings to disorient opponents before striking them with its sharp beak.
Natural Habitat
Another pigeon-like trait is Pidgey’s ability to thrive around humans. Groups of Pidgey gather wherever they can find abundant food sources. They are commonly found in urban areas, farms, forests, and grassy routes. Essentially any habitat that provides seeds, fruit, and insects can support these highly adaptable Pokémon.
Pidgey’s Role in the Pokémon World
So what purpose does Pidgey serve in the Pokémon universe? Here are some key roles played by this bird Pokémon:
Starter Pokémon
For beginner Pokémon trainers, Pidgey often serves as the first Pokémon they catch and train. It appears early in the games because it is an approachable Pokémon that novice trainers can easily handle. Capturing and training a Pidgey helps newbies learn the ropes of Pokémon battling.
Pre-evolution
Pidgey starts off rather weak in battle, but it can evolve into the much more capable Pidgeotto and Pidgeot. This makes it a useful pre-evolution Pokémon. Trainers who put in the time and effort to level up their Pidgey are rewarded with very strong final evolutions.
HM User
Pidgey’s Flying type characteristics make it handy for using Hidden Machines (HMs) like Fly and Defog. These HMs allow players to swiftly fly to other in-game locations or clear away obstacles. Trainers often carry a Pidgey or Pidgeotto in their party to provide these overworld travel and field clearing abilities.
Food Source
The Pokédex states that Pidgey is a very common Pokémon, frequently seen in the wild. This implies that Pidgey serves as an important source of food for other predatory Pokémon. Its widespread availability makes it an convenient meal for Pokémon like Fearow, Ekans, Arbok, and others.
Symbol of Peace
In ancient times, Pidgey were prized as symbols of peace and innocence. Their gentle, docile nature represented harmonious living. Seeing a flock of Pidgey return to a village was considered a good omen by some societies in the Pokémon world.
Signature Moves
Although not the most powerful Pokémon, Pidgey and its evolved forms have access to some useful signature moves. Here are some of the moves most associated with this Flying-type Pokémon:
Gust
This special Flying type move involves creating a strong wind gust to damage opponents. All of the Pidgey line can learn Gust naturally as they level up. It allows them to strike foes hard from a distance.
Quick Attack
Quick Attack is a fast priority move that lets Pidgey strike first. This suits Pidgey’s fleeing battle style of sneaking quick attacks before retreating. It can catch opponents off guard with a fast Quick Attack then follow up with Gust for additional damage.
Sand Attack
By flapping their wings, Pidgey can kick up sand to blind opponents. This is another move favored by fleeing Pidgey since it can reduce the accuracy of pursuers. The sand distracts and disorients foes, allowing the evasive Pidgey to escape.
Whirlwind
Only accessible to Pidgeot, this Flying move generates a strong spiraling wind to repel opponents. It fits with Pidgeot’s size and power advantage compared to its pre-evolved forms. Whirlwind can force multiple opponents to flee, making Pidgeot an effective guardian and protector Pokémon.
Brave Bird
The strongest Flying attack in Pidgeot’s arsenal, Brave Bird dives at foes with tremendous force. However, the reckless nature of this move also causes recoil damage. This parallels Pidgeot’s fierce devotion to its trainer, even if means endangering itself.
Weaknesses and Counters
Although the Pidgey line gains great power through evolution, it still retains some weaknesses trainers should be aware of:
Electric attacks
As Flying types, Pidgey and its evolutions take super effective damage from Electric moves. Opponents like Pikachu, Raichu, and Magnemite can therefore check Pidgeotto and Pidgeot with the right Electric attacks.
Ice attacks
Moves like Ice Beam and Blizzard also deal heavy damage due to the freezing vulnerability of Flying Pokémon. Trainers need to watch out for Ice-wielders like Cloyster, Jynx, and Lapras when using any Pidgey family members.
Rock attacks
Rock is strong against Flying, so ancient bird Pokémon like Aerodactyl and Archeops can crush Pidgeot with stones and boulders. Even Geodude can KO Pidgey quickly with its hurled rocks.
Stealth Rock
The move Stealth Rock covers the opposing field with dangerous floating stones. Simply switching in any Pidgey line Pokémon will deal big damage due to their Flying weakness. Stealth Rock puts immediate pressure on Pokémon like Pidgeot.
How to Counter Pidgey
Here are some good options for defeating Pidgey if it becomes a nuisance:
- Electric Pokémon like Pikachu, Magnemite, and Mareep can zap it for super effective damage.
- Strong Ice types like Sneasel, Vanillite, and Swinub can hit it hard with Ice moves.
- Stealth Rock instantly puts it on the back foot as soon as Pidgey switches in.
- Offensive Rock types like Aron and Geodude can fling stones to take it down.
- Special walls like Mareep and Chinchou can withstand Pidgey’s Gust and Quick Attack.
With the right Pokémon choices and some smart switching, trainers can easily handle a common pest like Pidgey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types are Pidgey and its evolutions?
Pidgey and all of its evolutionary forms are Normal and Flying dual types. This gives them a useful immunity to Ground moves but also a weakness to Electric and Ice attacks.
Where can I catch a Pidgey?
Pidgey can be found very early in the games on many grassy routes. In Pokémon Red/Blue it is encounterable as soon as Viridian City. Pidgey also appears frequently in the Safari Zone in Generations 1 and 3.
How good is Pidgeot in battle?
Pidgeot is very fast and has decent Special Attack, but suffers from average overall stats. It faces competition as a Flying type attacker from Pokémon like Dodrio, Aerodactyl and Crobat. However, Pidgeot is still very usable in-game with support.
Should I evolve my Pidgey?
Evolving Pidgey into Pidgeotto and Pidgeot is recommended as those forms are significantly more powerful. Pidgeot in particular gains well-rounded stats and useful STAB moves to become quite formidable.
What can Pidgey learn by leveling up?
Pidgey learns Gust, Sand Attack, and Quick Attack naturally as it levels up. At higher levels it picks up Twister, Feather Dance, Agility, Wing Attack, and Roost. It has a decent level up movepool for an early game Pokémon.
Conclusion
Pidgey occupies a special place among Pokémon as the beloved bird species that most trainers first encounter. This docile and approachable Pokémon serves an important role as a starter Pokémon for beginners. With care and training, it can fully evolve into the mighty Pidgeot. And despite its commonness, Pidgey retains a certain charm and nostalgia due to its regular appearances across all generations of Pokémon games and media. Whenever a Pidgey flock takes flight, it takes veteran trainers back to their first steps on the Pokémon adventure.
