It seems to be based on a Resplendent Quetzal with design elements from a Native American totem or kachina. Behaviorwise, it displays the ancient art of Sun Gazing, a form of spiritual meditation practiced by the Aztec and Mayan peoples in the belief that it would give them supernatural power; this is referenced by the fact that Xatu is part Psychic.
As revealed in a Penny Arcade Staff Podcast by Jeff Kalles, who assisted in the naming of many Generation II Pokémon, a Xat is a sort of Native American totem pole. Xatu’s name arose from The Pokemon Company’s desire to have one Pokémon for every letter of the alphabet.
Natio may be a corruption of native.
No: 178
English Name: Xatu
Japanese Name: Neitio
Generation: 2
Type: Psychic, Flying
Species: Mystic Pokémon
Abilities: Early Bird, Synchronize, Magic Bounce (hidden ability)
Evolution: Natu > Xatu
Xatu is a green condor-like Pokémon with long, red-and-black tipped white wings that cover most of its front. Underneath its wings are designs that resemble red eyes. Along with its main green coloration, Xatu’s design has accents of black, yellow, and red. There is an extra set of yellow stripes on a male Xatu. It has almond eyes, a long, slightly hooked beak, and two long, red feather crests. Xatu’s feet have only two toes, one in front and one in back. Xatu’s design is similar to a totem pole or a kachina doll.
Xatu tends to stand still all day. One theory explains that Xatu can see into the future with its right eye and the past with its left, and it does not move due to fears of its visions of the future coming true. The anime has shown that it can communicate its by moving its wings in a semaphore fashion. Xatu is believed to be native to the forests of South America.
POKEDEX ENTRIES
Pokemon Gold: They say that it stays still and quiet because it is seeing both the past and future at the same time.
Pokemon Silver: In South America, it is said that its right eye sees the future and its left eye views the past.
Pokemon Crystal: Once it begins to meditate at sunrise, the entire day will pass before it will move again.
Pokemon Stadium 2: They say that it stays still and quiet because it is seeing both the past and future at the same time.
Pokemon Ruby: Xatu stands rooted and still in one spot all day long. People believe that this Pokémon does so out of fear of the terrible things it has foreseen in the future.
Pokemon Sapphire: Xatu is known to stand motionless while staring at the sun all day long. Some people revere it as a mystical Pokémon out of their belief that Xatu is in possession of the power to see into the future.
Pokemon Emerald: It has the enigmatic power of foreseeing the future. Some people in different lands have long believed that Xatu are emissaries from another world.
Pokemon FireRed: In South America, it is said that its right eye sees the future and its left eye views the past.
Pokemon LeafGreen: They say that it stays still and quiet because it is seeing both the past and future at the same time.
Pokemon Diamond: This odd Pokémon can see both the past and the future. It eyes the sun’s movements all day.
Pokemon Pearl: This odd Pokémon can see both the past and the future. It eyes the sun’s movements all day.
Pokemon Platinum: This odd Pokémon can see both the past and the future. It eyes the sun’s movements all day.
Pokemon HeartGold: They say that it stays still and quiet because it is seeing both the past and future at the same time.
Pokemon SoulSilver: In South America, it is said that its right eye sees the future and its left eye views the past.
Pokemon Black: This odd Pokémon can see both the past and the future. It eyes the sun’s movements all day.
Pokemon White: This odd Pokémon can see both the past and the future. It eyes the sun’s movements all day.
Pokemon Black 2: This odd Pokémon can see both the past and the future. It eyes the sun’s movement all day.
pokemon White 2: This odd Pokémon can see both the past and the future. It eyes the sun’s movement all day.
Pokemon X: Once it begins to meditate at sunrise, the entire day will pass before it will move again.
Pokemon Y: They say that it stays still and quiet because it is seeing both the past and future at the same time.
Pokemon Omega Ruby: Xatu stands rooted and still in one spot all day long. People believe that this Pokémon does so out of fear of the terrible things it has foreseen in the future.
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire: Xatu is known to stand motionless while staring at the sun all day long. Some people revere it as a mystical Pokémon out of their belief that Xatu is in possession of the power to see into the future.
Pokemon SUN:-
Pokemon MOON:-
