Introduced in generation two, with the Pokemon Gold and Silver games, Hoothoot is a dual type normal and flying Pokemon. It is the first stage evolution of its two stage evolution line and evolves into Noctowl once it reaches the level threshold. Hoothoot is classified by the Pokedex as the “Owl Pokemon” which may be a nod to its general design. This guide will showcase Hoothoot’s capabilities in battle, its appearances in the anime, as well as other general facts about Hoothoot.
About Hoothoot
As a generation two Pokemon, Hoothoot first appeared in the Original Series of the anime in the episode Illusion Confusion!. In this episode, two trainers named Hagatha and Nagatha rented their Hoothoots as guides for the protagonists through a haunted forest. Hoothoot is the base evolution of its two stage evolution line and evolves into Noctowl at level 20. The Pokedex mentions that Hoothoot always stands on one foot, and it changes feet so fast that the movement can hardly be seen.
| First appearance in anime | Pokemon the Original Series: Illusion Confusion! |
| First appearance in game | Pokemon Gold and Silver |
| Region | Johto |
| Evolution | Base evolution of Noctowl, not known to evolve from any other Pokemon |
| 1st Evo level | 20 |
| 2nd Evo level | N/A |
| Pokedex Entry | Hoothoot has an internal organ that senses and tracks the earth's rotation. Using this special organ, this Pokémon begins hooting at precisely the same time every day. |
Hoothoot Base Stats
| HP | 60 |
| ATTACK | 30 |
| DEFENCE | 30 |
| SP. ATTACK | 36 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 56 |
| SPEED | 50 |
| TOTAL | 262 |
Appearance
Hoothoot is a brown, bird-like Pokémon that resembles an owl. Most of its body is brown except for its lighter colored belly and the dark rings around its eyes. It has a distinct brow like owls in real life and a small beak between its eyes. Hoothoot is typically seen standing on one foot, but it swaps between its two feet so quickly it can rarely be seen. Its eyes are red with black pupils and it has two small wings on either side of its body. Hoothoot is a small Pokemon at only 2 feet and 4 inches, or 0.7 meters, tall.
Behavior
Hoothoot has an internal organ that keeps track of the world’s rotation and it begins crying at the exact same time every day. Throughout the history of the Pokemon universe, Hoothoot were originally raised to function as clocks. In the anime, they are shown as guides through dense forests, or as a powerful flying type Pokemon with access to psychic type moves. The Pokedex also mentions that Hoothoot will only appear to stand on one leg, but the movement it does to change feet is so fast that it is difficult to see.
Strengths and Weaknesses
As a base evolution Pokemon, there are not many strengths regarding Hoothoot. Its strongest base stat is its health, but it lacks physical defense. While it is decently fast and has a respectable special defense for a base evolution Pokemon, it is not particularly aggressive. As a dual type normal and flying Pokemon, Hoothoot takes 2x damage from rock, electric, and ice type moves. It is immune to ground and ghost type moves and resistant to grass and bug type moves.
Best Moveset
In competitive play, Hoothoot is typically reserved for the LC (Little Cup) bracket. While it seems unassuming, it offers a surprising amount of utility in its moveset and also boasts an immunity to the sleep status effect with its ability Insomnia. With an Eviolite held item, it can prove to be a menacing supporting Pokemon. Consider running Reflect, Roost, Air Slash, and Hypnosis/Whirlwind. Reflect can ensure the longevity of your team, Roost will provide sustain for Hoothoot, Air Slash benefits from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), and Hypnosis/Whirlwind is meant to slow down your opponents or remove their positive stat buffs.
| Reflect | Roost |
| Air Slash | Hypnosis/Whirlwind |
How to Catch Hoothoot in Pokemon Go?
If you would like to obtain a Hoothoot in Pokemon Go, unfortunately it seems there is only one way to obtain it. As a base evolution Pokemon, Hoothoot spawns commonly in the wild. You can find it spawning, at a boosted rate, near countrysides, farms, fields, forests, parks, and grassy areas. Hoothoot does not hatch from eggs and it has not been available as a raid boss in the past. However, you can find its evolution Noctowl as a tier three raid boss at Pokemon Gyms. You will need 50 candies in order to evolve Hoothoot into Noctowl.
Trivia
- Hoothoot has one of the lowest base defense stats of all flying Pokemon tied with Ledyba, Pikipek, Wingull, Starly, Taillow, and Spearow.
- The inspiration for Hoothoot’s design seems to be a combination of an owl and a clock.
- The name Hoothoot is derived from “hoot” the onomatopoeia for the sound owls make.
FAQ
Is Hoothoot a rare Pokemon?
Hoothoot is typically a common Pokemon in all of the franchise installments. It is a basic Pokemon that can be found early in the game and is meant to be beginner friendly. Hoothoot can even come with an ability to prevent itself from falling asleep, making it a resilient Pokemon for a player to encounter early. Therefore, it is not exactly a rare Pokemon.
Is Hoothoot a good Pokemon?
While Hoothoot’s stats might imply that it is a weak Pokemon, it can offer a surprising amount of utility. With the Insomnia ability and access to supportive moves, it can help boost the capabilities of your other Pokemon. It is not powerful on its own, but in the right team it can enable a powerful strategy.
Why does Hoothoot stand on one Leg?
It seems like Hoothoot only stands on one leg, but it actually swaps between a second leg that it has tucked away. Hoothoot likely stands on one leg to ensure that it can sense the rotation of the earth. The only official stated reason comes from the Pokedex, but it does not mention fatigue or sensing rotations. Instead, it just mentions how fast Hoothoot can swap between its legs.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this “Owl Pokemon”. While Hoothoot does not seem like the most intimidating Pokemon, it can offer a lot of sustainability for your other Pokemon. It can function as a buffer, starting by increasing your whole party’s defense and it can disable your opponent’s Pokemon. Reserve a slot on your team for Hoothoot to have a supportive normal and flying type Pokemon.
