Once again it’s time for Pokemon Bird Watch. And for this week I bring you another bird from Generation Two. Presenting one of the most unique bird Pokemon out there, Skarmory.
Skarmory could almost be in the Interesting Specimen series due to its unique type. It is currently the only Flying and Steel-type Pokemon out there. Rather than normal feathers, Skarmory is covered in metal armor. This is apparently because Skarmory make their nests from sharp brambles that constantly scratch their young and cause their skin to become like steel. Their feathers are even sharp enough to use for swords and knives. In the anime and other media, Skarmory is known for kidnapping both humans and Pokemon. This is mainly due to their highly territorial, almost warlike, nature. And it doesn’t help that the average Skarmory is almost six feet tall. Bottom line, these are some mean birds.
In the Games: Skarmory are usually found in mountainous and even volcanic areas of the Pokemon World. And in my experience they’re not only hard to find, but really hard to catch. One could go though almost all the Pokeballs in their bag trying to nab one. In Johto (depending on the version of the game), the metal birds can be found on Route 45 near Blackthorn City. Skarmory can also be found at the Sevault Canyon in the Sevii Islands in Kanto, but only in FireRed. As for the Hoenn Region, the only place to find Skarmory on Route 113, the route where the player can collect volcanic ash to make glass items. In Sinnoh, Skarmory can be found on Route 227 and Stark Mountain, and in Black 2 and White 2 the birds can be found at Reversal Mountain. Interestingly enough, two of the locations I’ve listed are the hangouts of the Legendary Pokemon, Heatran.
Signature Move: Skarmory does sort of have a signature move all its own, but it can be learned by many other Pokemon. The move I speak of is called Steel Wing. As the name suggests, Steel Wing allows the Pokemon to attack with metallic wings. It can also cause the user’s defense stat to rise. Skarmory is the only Pokemon to learn this move by leveling up. But there are many Pokemon that can learn the move through breeding or by TM. It seems all the Pokemon in question needs is a good pair of wings.
That’s pretty much it for this week. For next week’s post, I may be doing a bird all the way back from Generation One. So until then, stay tuned.
