Furnix

Furnix are phoenix-like enemies that appear in Skyward Sword in the Ancient Cistern and about the Lanayru Sand Sea.

Characteristics and Weaknesses
Furnixes are red medium-sized birds that feature long curled tails that serve as their main weak-point. They fly around their various habitats making them quite difficult to reach with a sword while they are airborne. However, if Link manages to catch the Furnix's attention, they will draw closer to Link and uncurl their long tail signaling they are about to attack. Furnixes attack by spitting out three small fireballs at Link, and if the fireballs make contact with him, they will set him aflame and deal damage to him.

In order to defeat a Furnix, Link has to use the Whip to grab the Furnix's long tail while it is uncurled. If successful, the bird will come crashing to the ground and Link can finish them off with a few sword strikes. Furnixes can also be quickly brought down with a shot from the Bow.

Trivia

 * Their name is likely a portmanteau of "furnace" and "phoenix", the latter of which they bear many traits to, particularly their association with fire.
 * Furnix are similar in design to another notable bird creature in the Zelda series, the Kargarok.
 * Furnix also share similarities with Fokkeru, a fire-breathing bird monster that appeared in The Adventure of Link.
 * The way the Furnix is defeated by Link, using the Whip and the Sword, is very similar to defeating an Aeralfos in Twilight Princess, where he has to drag it out of the air by latching onto its tail with the Clawshot.