What existing birds are Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres based on?

Question

We all know Moltres is based on the phoenix, Zapdos is based on the thunderbird, and Articuno is based on the Simurgh (and I did not just check Bulbapedia to see what Articuno is based on. Nope. Absolutely not). However, those are creatures from legend. What real-life birds are they based on? Are they even based on any existing birds at all?

Answer 1

Articuno

Its long tail and small body also may be a reference to the quetzal. In addition, it is anatomically similar to the white-throated magpie-jay.

Zapdos

Aesthetically, it may be based on hummingbirds, due to the long beak, the rather simple wings, and described violent behavior.

Moltres

In addition, it may be based on a heron because of their similarities in body shape.

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They are primarily based on the mythical birds you mentioned, but they do all have a bit of inspiration (probably) from these regular birds.

Hope I helped!

Comments

Thanks! Never thought Zapdos would be a hummingbird lol

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No problem!

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Those are things I never would have thought of but are so trueeee