Loftwing

A Loftwing is a species of bird featured in Skyward Sword. They are guardian birds used by the citizens of Skyloft to fly around the different regions and are used during the annual Wing Ceremony.

Overview
It is a custom in Skyloft for each person to have their own Loftwing, which is a symbol of the divine protection granted by the goddess Hylia. A Loftwing and its rider have a special connection, as Skyloftians consider themselves to be one half of a pair until they are made whole by the Loftwings. When a Skyloftian is young, they meet their bird companion under the Statue of the Goddess. Having a Loftwing and being able to ride it separates the kids from the adults.

Loftwings cannot fly during the nighttime since they have a terrible night vision, and only those which have been specially trained can fly in the dark. They can also be taught a special move called the Spiral Charge, but since it is a stressful move for Loftwings to do, it is usually only taught to senior Knight Academy students.

The crest of the Goddess Hylia and later the crest of the Royal Family is that of either a Loftwing alone or with the Triforce above its head, a symbol that appears throughout the land of Hyrule in many games within The Legend of Zelda series.

Crimson Loftwing
Link's Loftwing is a special, rare breed which causes him to stand out among the rest of the citizens of Skyloft. It is considered a rare breed which had been thought to have disappeared.

Trivia

 * The Loftwings bear resemblance to the Shoebill, a species of bird native to Sudan.
 * As all shields in Skyward Sword have a footprint or depiction of the Loftwing on them, it appears the red bird on the Hylian Shield is meant to represent a Crimson Loftwing, a rare breed of the species.
 * In the opening cinematic, one can see Eagus flying a Loftwing for a brief second. Looking close reveals that this Loftwing is either a beta model or simply unfinished, especially noticeable when looking at the face.
 * Many Loftwings bear characteristics similar to their owners. Strich's Loftwing has a similar bowl haircut and belt.  Cawlin's Loftwing has a similar haircut and belt.  Groose's Loftwing has a similar pompadour haircut, and belt matching Groose's necklace.  Zelda's Loftwing has a similar 'golden circles' belt.  Orielle's Loftwing has hair also in braids.
 * Despite the importance placed on loftwings in Skyloft's culture, no bird is ever given its own name.