Loftwing

Skyward Sword

Loftwings are creatures native to the sky realm in which Link and Zelda's hometown of Skyloft is located. They are crucial to the culture of Skyloft as images of the birds appear all over Skyloftian carvings and clothes. The people of Skyloft each own a bird partner whom they trust with their lives as they dive straight off the floating island, trusting that their bird will hear their call and catch them as they fall. The birds are the primary form of transportation between the floating islands for the Skyloftians

Two specific sky birds belong to Link and Zelda, with Link's being red and Zelda's being a blueish-purple. The two birds appear to be close friends just like their owners, as they can be seen flying together even without Link and Zelda present. The sky birds are crucial to the bird-rider's ceremony in which several competitors ride their birds and attempt to chase down a small golden Loft Wing carrying a statue. The victor will be rewarded with a special gift from none other than Zelda herself! It is uncertain what happens to Zelda's blue bird when she is sucked towards the surface by Ghirahim's tornado, but Link's supposedly special red bird is later seen with him as he searches for Zelda.

Link's red loftwing is known as a Crimson Loftwing. Gaepora says it is very rare, fast and powerful. There are many other types and colours of Loft Wings, which have yet to specified.

Apparently Loftwings have limited night-vision, and thus cannot be called during nighttime. Rescue Knights on the night shifts therefore have lanterns attached to the heads of their loftwings.