Metal Shearwig

The Metal Shearwig is a winged mandiblard appearing in Pikmin: Wide World. They are not seen until Pikmin or leaders approach the location they are buried, which causes them to burrow out of the ground and begin their attack. They are rarely encountered alone or in pairs and are most often encountered in groups of three to seven individuals, the groups being either comprised entirely of Metal Shearwigs or including ordinary Shearwigs. Some Metal Shearwigs prefer to attack from the ground, where they crawl towards prey, but others prefer to attack from the air, where they swoop down towards prey. A Metal Shearwig will eat any Pikmin and bite any leader directly in front of it, and burrow into the ground it initially emerged from once its prey flees far enough away. While buried, a Metal Shearwig will regenerate any health it may have lost. Metal Shearwigs are able to dismantle stick bridges and wooden climbing sticks using their mandibles. They may also be released from some loose or packed soil blocks in their native habitat after the blocks' destruction. Under the command of a Queen Shearwig, Metal Shearwigs become airborne as their matriarch wishes and carry out each of its commands.

Metal Shearwigs strongly resemble Shearwigs in shape and size, being a small, limbless, winged grub-like creature, but not so much in color. They have a shiny, dark gray exoskeleton protecting their face, lime green eyes, light blue, translucent wings, and a fleshy, pink backside.

Although a Metal Shearwig is small and may seem simple to dispatch, it proves to be a challenging foe in battle, even when alone, because of its behaviors and vitality. Attacking one head-on is futile and may result in Pikmin casualties or harm to leaders, and while charging Pikmin at one is generally a fast and reliable strategy, it is only effective against grounded Metal Shearwigs. Upon reaching one-fifth of its maximum health, a Metal Shearwig will flee a short distance, no matter if on the ground or in the air, before quickly retreating underground to regenerate health, emerging from the ground once it reaches half-health and prey are still nearby. The quickest and most effective way to kill a grounded Metal Shearwig is to throw a Pikmin directly on top of it, which kills it instantly. Throwing a Pikmin at an airborne Metal Shearwig to knock to the ground will merely cause it to crashland, taking no damage from the impact but remaining on the ground momentarily, opening it up more attacks. Airborne Metal Shearwigs are extremely vulnerable to Yellow Pikmin and especially Winged Pikmin, the latter automatically targeting the creature's backside when charged into it.



Olimar's notes

 * "The metal shearwig inhabits locations rich in metal content and possesses a strengthened facial covering as a result of having a mineral-rich diet. It is impervious to frontal assaults, but the rest of its body remains exposed and quite vulnerable."

Shacho's notes

 * "I bet I could make the armor from these creatures into masks! I could sell them to people back on Hocotate to rake in some extra Pokos... so long as they aren't frightened by them."

Marie's notes

 * "Metal shearwigs must be given mineral-rich food regularly or else they become ill and agitated. I'm sure the last thing anyone would want is an upset, partly invulnerable insect that has the ability to sever body parts in a single bite flying around their home."

Louie's notes

 * "Remove the armor and mandibles from the head, and also the wings, and discard them. Cook over low heat, seasoning as needed, before serving. It makes for an excellent source of minerals!"

Dolphin Lander's notes

 * "It's amazing how the creatures of this planet react to having a mineral-rich diet. They undergo such dramatic changes in appearance and survival methods!"