Ash's Staraptor originated as a Starly captured early in his Sinnoh journey while searching for his missing Pikachu. The capture followed a forest collision between Ash's Aipom and the wild Starly, leading to a battle. Even as a Starly, it demonstrated calm leadership, notably freeing a flock of captured bird Pokémon by directing a hypnotized Meowth to cut Team Rocket's net, an act triggering its evolution into Staravia. As Staravia, its personality grew more outspoken and competitive. It learned Aerial Ace and participated in multiple gym battles, showing visible disappointment when not chosen for Ash's first Sinnoh gym battle against Roark. It later secured Ash's first official Sinnoh gym victory by defeating Gardenia's Cherubi with Wing Attack and Aerial Ace, though it fell immediately afterward to her Turtwig. A significant advancement came when Staravia learned Brave Bird after observing Reggie's Staraptor; Ash trained it by acting as a moving target, mastering the move during a gym battle against Maylene's Machoke. Staravia evolved into Staraptor mid-battle during a PokéRinger contest finals against Paul's Honchkrow. Upon evolving, it learned Close Combat and used it to defeat Honchkrow, winning the contest. This evolution marked a shift towards greater physical power and heightened competitive drive. As Staraptor, it served as one of Ash's primary aerial battlers, utilizing moves like Close Combat, Brave Bird, Aerial Ace, and Quick Attack. It fought in key battles, including Candice's gym (defeating Medicham but losing to Abomasnow) and the Sinnoh League. Against Paul, it defeated Gastrodon but succumbed to Drapion's Toxic Spikes strategy. It also contributed to Nando's defeat by defeating Roserade before falling to Armaldo. Following Ash's Sinnoh journey, Staraptor resided at Professor Oak's laboratory. It later greeted Ash's newer Pokémon, including Lucario and Dragonite, and assisted in training Dragonite alongside Ash's other Flying-types like Swellow and Unfezant. It witnessed Ash's victories in the World Coronation Series, appearing in a motivational vision to Pikachu during Ash's climactic battle against Leon's Charizard. After Ash became world champion, Staraptor celebrated his return to Pallet Town. Biologically, Staraptor exhibits species-typical traits: territoriality, persistence in attacks even when injured, and meticulous maintenance of its head-feather comb. It measures 1.2 meters in height and weighs 24.9 kilograms. Its known abilities are Intimidate and Reckless, the latter enhancing recoil-based moves like Brave Bird.