Loftwing

(pronounced  and  ), also known as Guardian Birds, are a recurring species in. They are birds used by the citizens of Skyloft to fly around the different regions and are used during the annual Wing Ceremony.

[[SS -]]
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 perform, it is usually only taught to senior Knight Academy students.

The crest of the Goddess Hylia is a symbol of a Loftwing, which bears resemblance to many other symbols in. The Hylian Crest found on every version of the Hylian Shield is a symbol of Link's Crimson Loftwing. The crest of the Royal Family also depicts the image of a Loftwing in its design.

Link's Loftwing is a special, rare breed which had previously been thought to have gone extinct.

Under the name of a regular Loftwing, Link's Crimson Loftwing appears as a Support Spirit in. When equipped, it creates a strong wind during battle.

(Ishinomori)
In chapter 3, Sahasrahla's friends and wife give Link a pair of wings-glider to quickly reach the Desert of Mystery. The librarian explains the wings are made with the feathers of a bird capable of carrying a person. In the Italian translation, published long after Skyward Sword released, the bird in question is said to be a Loftwing.

Trivia

 * NaN Loftwings are modeled after the, a species of bird native to tropical east Africa. The idea for their curled tails came from one of the designers' pet.
 * Many NaN Loftwings bear characteristics similar to their owners:
 * SSHD:'s SSHD: has a similar haircut and belt.
 * SSHD:'s SSHD: has a similar pompadour haircut and belt matching SSHD:'s necklace.
 * SSHD:'s SSHD: has hair also in braids.
 * SSHD:'s SSHD: has a similar bowl haircut and belt.
 * SSHD:'s SSHD: has a similar golden circles belt.