Grab your binoculars, because it’s now time once again for Pokemon Bird Watch. For this week’s post I’ve decided to cover another bird that was introduced in Generation Two and got a major boost in Generation Four. Presenting Murkrow and its evolved form, Honchkrow.
Murkrow was one of the first Dark-type Pokemon to be introduced in the games. Like Meowth, Murkrow has a thing for stealing shiny objects. It is also thought that seeing a Murkrow at night is a sign of grave misfortune. I’ve never really used Murkrow much myself in the games. But I do like the evolved form it received two generations later. But I’ll get to that more in just a bit.
In the Games: My favorite spot in the Generation Two games to hunt for Murkrow was in the small patch of grass on Route Seven between Celadon and Saffron City at night. Depending on the version, Murkrow can also be found on Routes Sixteen and Eighteen and in the Johto Safari Zone. In FireRed, Murkrow can also be found within the Lost Cave in the Sevii Islands. The locations in Sinnoh for Murkrow are Eterna Forest and the Lost Tower at night. Ash for Unova, Murkrow can be found at the Abundant Shrine in Black, and in the Hidden Grotto of Pinwheel Forest in Black 2 and White 2. As for Honchkrow, normally the only way to get it is by evolving Murkrow. But they can be caught at the Abundant Shrine in Black by checking the Rustling Grass.
Evolution: With Generation Four came the introduction of the Dusk Stone. Upon being exposed to the Dusk Stone, Murkrow evolves and becomes twice its original size and gains more impressive plumage. The resulting Honchkrow becomes the leader of its flock of Murkrow. Honchkrow is able to summon its flock with a single cry. Thus earning it the title, Summoner of Night.
Wicked Bird: Due to being the leader of a Murkrow flock, Honchkrow has also been given the rather appropriate classification as the Big Boss Pokemon in the Pokedex. Even more appropriate is that characters in the game such as Giovanni and Cyrus have used Honchkrow. Both characters of course are the leaders of evil organizations. Further more, Ash’s rival Paul in the Diamond and Pearl anime has also used Honchkrow. For those who don’t know or remember, Paul was sort of a pseudo anime counterpart to Giovanni’s son, Silver. Plus, Murkrow has been a favored Pokemon by some members of Team Rocket. So basically, some pretty shady characters have used these birds. But then they are Dark-types I guess.
That about covers it for this week’s post. Incidentally, I’m soon going to be starting another weekly series of posts covering the various Dark-type Pokemon that have appeared throughout the games. One of the reasons why I covered Murkrow and Honchkrow this week was sort of to get them out of the way. Anyway, the new series is going to be called On the Dark Side, so keep an eye out for it. In the meantime, stay tuned for next week’s edition of Pokemon Bird Watch.
