We’re back for the Normal-type reviews, and today we’re going to focus on Spearow and Fearow, the other early-game bird of Kanto! If you are ready with this one, please proceed.
Selected Fan Art (Artist: DanteCyberMan)
In each region, there is typically one new Pokémon of a certain type, such as an Electric-type reminiscent to Pikachu and a pseudo-legendary. Sometimes, we have two new Pokémon of that type, namely Plusle and Minun for the former, and Salamence and Metagross for the latter. Likewise, in Generation 1, we have two early-game bird families, them being the Spearow family and the Pidgey family. There is usually a reason more than one are introduced. For Spearow and Fearow, the most likely reason they are made is to increase the variety of bird Pokémon. Remember, in Generation 1, there weren’t old Pokémon to reuse for variety, so all-new ones are needed for that purpose.
Spearow seems to behave similar to birds: eat insects and make loud noises, and generally being protective of its territory. With its cry, it could also warn others for danger, or perhaps to ambush somebody unwanted, as was shown in the first episode of the anime where a flock of Spearow ambushed Ash and Pikachu due to a misaim on Ash’s part, showing that this bird is one to take revenge. Spearow didn’t quite master the art of staying airborne, which is something a lot of smaller birds have in common that makes them ineligible for Sky Battles.
Fearow is a more formidable bird, based on its larger size and long beak. With larger and more powerful wings, it could stay airborne for long periods of time without rest, which will no doubt be ideal for long journeys and quick getaways. It also has the skills to use such wings to catch the wind to elegantly stay in the sky. With amazing capabilities of flight, it’s no wonder Fearow enjoys flying.
Fearow’s beak looks to be able to use it for catching a lot more things, whether it’s in the soil or water. The beak does look similar to some birds that catch their food in water, such as the heron and stork, so it’s no wonder. It still retains the ability to catch insects, this time more effectively, with that long beak. By plummeting to its prey, it would catch that prey unsuspected. That beak is also useful for drilling things, it seems, because it can use Drill Run. This move is useful for any Rock- or Steel-types that resist its Flying attacks.
In battle, Fearow seemed like a better choice compared to Pidgeot because it has higher Attack and Speed, as well as Drill Peck, and later on, Drill Peck. However, Pidgeot seems to have caught up in usability because it is now faster than Fearow, as well as having a Mega Evolution that makes Hurricane deadly. Even Dodrio is more useful since it has higher Attack and Brave Bird, leaving Fearow overshadowed by a lot. The only thing going for Fearow at this point is Drill Run, which works well with Sniper for huge damage.
Spearow and Fearow both look like real birds, but they don’t necessarily look like any one bird. Spearow is named after a sparrow, but it looked different from one compared to Pidgey. Its head doesn’t resemble a sparrow, but instead is based more on a hawk, making Spearow look more like a predatory bird compared to Pidgey. As for Fearow, it looks similar to water birds. The closest in terms of appearance is the anhinga, which has a long beak, yet its legs are not long, unlike the stork or crane, probably because it doesn’t stand in water, something Fearow doesn’t do as well. It also has a comb like a chicken, making Fearow another case of a bird that takes bits and pieces from other birds, similar to Dodrio.
One detail in the Electric Tale of Pikachu manga that is different from the anime is how Fearow was one of the Pokémon that ambushed Ash and Pikachu in the beginning, which didn’t happen in the anime until a later episode (“Pallet Party Panic”). In that same chapter, Fearow was caught when it was defeated, meaning it was Ash’s flier in the manga instead of Pidgeotto/Pidgeot (it was caught, but was mostly unused).
What exactly makes Spearow and Fearow unique? By now, it seems like they are possibly overshadowed as a bird since there are a lot of different birds that they didn’t quite stand out. Being one of the first birds is an advantage when there weren’t much to compare to, so it seems like the existence of more birds than ever would make them less prominent. They still have some unique designs and abilities that are still unique, such as Spearow’s hawk head and Fearow’s superb beak abilities, so perhaps eagle-eyed fans would see the special qualities in these Pokémon.
+ Behaves similar to real birds
– Doesn’t stand out in battle and design
Spearow’s TCG Card
With that facial expression, Spearow looks serious and means business, so it’s best not to interfere with its matters when it gives that look!
Fearow’s TCG Card
The Fearow is up high in the air enjoying its flight, even though it might not look like it. It might even be on the lookout for something to pick on, whether it’s a prey or an enemy, so watch out while it’s around!
Quick Attack
The chosen move for Spearow and Fearow represents their swift catching motions that characterise Fearow. It should be noted that Quick Attack is an Egg Move for this family, since they learn very few Normal-type moves.
Although Quick Attack has a low power, its effect is why it’s a useful move. Basically, it has priority over the average move; therefore even the fastest Pokémon will go second if they use most moves while the user uses Quick Attack. Obviously, this is for a Physical attacker to use, and it is better if they are a Normal-type, as Fearow is. Mega Pinsir is another Pokémon who can use this move well, thanks to Aerilate’s boost in this move, as well as making it Flying-type.
Overall, Quick Attack is not powerful, but the ability to trump over faster foes is what matters about this move, and could even prove to be a critical turnaround point.
That’s all for today’s article. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I have writing it.
Next Article: Spinda
