Thunder

Seiyuu / Dub

Summary

Zapdos is a massive avian Pokémon characterized by its predominantly yellow plumage, small triangular black-ringed eyes, and a long, thin, light orange beak. A prominent crest of spiked feathers surrounds its head, while its wings and tail consist of spiky feathers, with black plumage covering the back of the wings and the inner tail. Its thighs are tan, supported by thin, light orange legs ending in three forward-facing toes and one backward-facing toe, each tipped with a short talon. Often described in An Illustrated Book of POCKET MONSTERS as a divine bird that rules the heavens, Zapdos spends millennia within thunderclouds before descending via lightning bolts. Flapping its glittering wings releases electricity capable of triggering thunderstorms, and its flight produces loud crackling sounds attributed to shed lightning. This Legendary Pokémon typically appears only during storms and grows stronger when struck by lightning. According to Pocket Monsters Carddass Trading Cards, it can electrify its talons during combat. In The Power of One (M02), Zapdos is credited with regulating ocean currents; its capture causes catastrophic instability. It communicates with other Electric-type Pokémon by exchanging lightning bolts and is highly territorial, having conquered and terraformed Fire Island to control the Orange Islands. It is also said to defeat a lone when fighting alongside and Moltres. In Pokémon Horizons, like other Legendary Pokémon, Zapdos resides in the paradise Laqua. It has an affinity for Zapdos Treats crafted by Snacksworth, who once witnessed it flying past him. Zapdos possesses a regional variant: Galarian Zapdos. In Galar, this form features red-orange and black plumage, yellow eyes with pronounced mask-like black markings, a shorter black beak, and a longer neck. Its legs are black, muscular, and longer, with yellow talons ringed in red. The wings are smaller with black markings resembling remnants of the Kantonian form’s plumage. Additionally, it displays rows of spiky feathers along its chest and back. Aggressive and battle-hungry, Galarian Zapdos seeks stronger opponents to test its power. Its powerful legs enable devastating kicks that can destroy a dump truck, and it can sprint across mountains at speeds up to 180 mph (300 km/h). Although its wings have atrophied, rendering flight nearly impossible, its movements are so swift they resemble lightning strikes. The name derives from the electric-like crackling produced by its feathers rubbing together. While constantly migrating, it congregates with other birds at the Dyna Tree in the Crown Tundra every few decades to eat its fruits.

Summary

Anime Appearances

Appearances · Manga