Firebird

Firebirds are a species of enemy birds inhabiting [Fire Mountain (world)|[Fire Mountain]] and Fire Mountain Plus in Mario vs. Donkey Kong. They are possibly based on the mythological. They spawn from rings of fire and begin flying across the entire level, descending slightly when meeting one of its margins and then continuing their flight in the opposite direction, much like Nitpickers do. Firebirds perform four complete flights around the area before disappearing. Shortly after, another bird spawns from the same fire ring as the previous one, repeating the same movements.

Just as soon as they appear from a ring, Firebirds will drop a fireball. They will occasionally try to drop more fireballs onto Mario when they spot him underneath. Mario cannot deflect these fireballs with a handstand like he could do with a Nitpicker's eggs, getting burnt if he does so. Mario will also lose a life if he touches a Firebird or a fire ring. It is impossible to defeat a Firebird.