Aeralfos

The Aeralfos is a race of winged and armed reptilian enemies, most likely being a winged subspecies of the common Lizalfos. This particular enemy has appeared only in. It is first encountered in the City in the Sky as the mini-boss, but is also seen later in the Cave of Ordeals and in Hyrule Castle.

Characteristics and Strategy
Aeralfos are large, winged reptiles. Their wings give them the ability to initially avoid most of Link's attacks with the sword and other weapons. They're lightly armored and bear a tribal loincloth adorned with sharp fangs. They wield a sword and shield in combat.

When Link first encounters an Aeralfos, it will hover in the air, far out of his reach. It will frequently make dive attacks but will also raise its shield before doing so to block any projectiles Link may use to stop him from initiating the attack. When its shield is raised in this fashion, Link can use the Clawshot to latch onto its shield and pull the Aeralfos down to the ground so that he can attack it with his sword. As long as Link can maneuver around the Aeralfos' attacks and strike where it is unprotected, it will be unable to get back into the air.

The Aeralfos which Link encounters in the City in the Sky uses slightly different tactics than others of its kind. It will frequently fly through various large holes in the room and try to confuse Link. This forces the young hero to constantly be alert and searching for the opening from which it will strike next. If Link can pinpoint the Aeralfos, he can use his Clawshot before the Aeralfos initiates its dive attack. Once the Aeralfos is on the ground, Link can defeat it in the same fashion as the rest of its kin.

This Aeralfos guards the dungeon's item, which is a second Clawshot. Though nothing new on its own, Link can utilize the two Clawshots at the same time, which offers the benefits of the Double Clawshot. This item is crucial to defeating the boss of the City in the Sky, Argorok. Protecting the path to Argorok are two more Aeralfos, which will attack Link in tandem in an attempt to overwhelm him.

Trivia

 * The Furnix in Skyward Sword can be defeated in a similar manner to the Aeralfos.