Delibird

Delibird buffs
Is it a bird? Is it a crane? Is it a penguin/santa hybrid? One thing’s for sure, Delibird is the epitome of a gimmick Pokémon. But apparently Delibird was a very well-behaved Pokemon this year, because generation 7 brought it some gifts in the form of notable buffs, and I thought it would be timely to go through them now!
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Ice/Flying type introduced in gen 2. It has mediocre to bad stats. This and its many weaknesses make it super frail and not very strong. It has 2 completely redundant abilities in Insomnia and Vital Spirit which both prevent sleep, and a more interesting, gimmicky ability in Hustle.
It has what was once a signature move in Present, but interestingly it can learn some TMs, tutor moves and egg moves unlike a lot of other gimmick Pokemon e.g. Unown.
Prior to gen 7 it was pretty much completely unviable, but if you reeeeally wanted to use it, a crappy banded Hustle set, or a slightly less but still very crappy lead set were possible
1.	Defog/Counter
Cover these 2 together because it could already learn them, but now gets them much more easily. Defog was a gen 4 tutor, which is brought back in gen 7. Not very useful for a Pokemon 4x weak to rock that already gets Rapid Spin! Counter was a gen 3 tutor, which is now an egg move. This is actually kinda helpful on lead Spikes sets. Not big game changers at all though.
2.	Drill Peck – this is a significant power boost from its other flying type moves (aside from Fly, but that’s just asking to be KO’d!) which is actually pretty great for a gimmick Hustle set. What’s even more interesting is that it is a level up move, so it now no longer just learns Present.
A CB set with Drill Peck, Ice Punch, Ice Shard and Brick Break could actually manage to KO a Pokemon!
3.	Z-Moves – Delibird actually gains a lot from Z-Moves. Being a Hustle Pokemon, Z-Moves keep the Hustle power boost, but ignore the accuracy nerf that usually comes with it, meaning Supersonic Skystrike or Subzero Slammer can be a neat surprise tactic against your opponent.
The other Z-Move worth noting is Z-Splash which gives +3 attack. On top of a Hustle boost this can be pretty devastating… that is, if you ever manage to actually set up such a frail pokemon. Still, I can’t think of anything much more satisfying than sweeping your opponent with a Delibird!
This mon could really use some love in the stats department – with such a poor defensive typing it needs all the help it can get to be more viable. Maybe a huge speed buff to represent the frantic gift-delivering it has to do across the world all in one night on xmas eve?
Truth be told, this Pokemon is still bad. But this holiday season is the time for fun, and getting a KO with Delibird certainly is that. It is also a time for giving, and this overlooked Pokemon is certainly deserving of the gift of your attention, at least once a year. So spread that generosity, and good luck out there.
All that’s left to be said, is thanks very much for watching, have a great xmas. I’ve been ff you’ve been awesome and hopefully, see you next time!