Helibird

Helibirds are Jungle Buddies found in Donkey Kong Jungle Beat. They are a group of birds who carry Donkey Kong to higher places, similar to Squawks in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest and Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!. Helibirds make frequent appearances, mostly in tree areas. Their name appears to be a portmanteau of "helicopter" and "bird." They come in various colors, such as blue, purple, green, red, yellow, and black.

Donkey Kong first meets Helibirds in their nest. On two occasions, Helibirds are shown with the ability to race. In Chopperbird Race, Donkey Kong and some Helibirds have to race Chopperbird. In Helibird Dash, Donkey Kong has an air race with a group of Ninjapes, each of whom has its own Helibird of a different color. A Helibird delivers Donkey Kong to his battle with the Cactus King and Ghastly King.

Helibirds make additional appearances in Donkey Kong: Jungle Fever and Donkey Kong: Banana Kingdom. A Helibird trophy can be obtained in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Trivia

 * Hoot the owl has the same function as the Helibirds in Super Mario 64.
 * Jibberjays also resemble Helibird as seen in Super Mario Galaxy 2 where they fly in the same motion.

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