The Merlies Birds & Squad Compendium
Every member of the Merlies flock: the squad system, the plumage variants shown in official media, and the lost birds waiting to be rescued.
All Birds (6)
| Bird | Biome | Squad Role | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Flock | The Village | Squad | Combining abilities to unlock paths |
| Village Settlers | The Village | Village life | Living in upcycled homes |
| Red Merlie | Forest Canopy | Climbing & carrying | Foreground flock member in official media |
| Lost Merlies | Forest Canopy | Rescue target | The storm scattered them — bring them home |
| Blue Merlie | Pond & Wetlands | Open-ground movement | Distinct plumage in the flock |
| Pale Merlie | Overgrown City Ruins | Scrambling | Third plumage variant in official media |
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Squad Members
The birds you explore with. Each Merlie has a specific ability, and the flock's combined skills are what open the map's hidden passages.
| Bird | Biome First Shown | Squad Role | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Flock | The Village | Squad | Abilities combine to unlock paths |
| Village Settlers | The Village | Village life | Living in upcycled homes |
| Red Merlie | Forest Canopy | Climbing & carrying | The face of the flock in official media |
| Lost Merlies | Forest Canopy | Rescue target | Scattered by the storm — bring them home |
The Other Plumages
Two more plumage variants appear across the official trailers. Their exact abilities are unconfirmed until launch — tracked here by appearance, not invented names.
| Bird | Biome First Shown | Squad Role | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Merlie | Pond & Wetlands | Open-ground movement | Distinct plumage in the flock |
| Pale Merlie | City Ruins | Scrambling | Third plumage variant in official media |
How the Squad System Works
There are no monsters to fight in The Merlies — no creature or fight will be on your way, the official store text promises. Instead, the "bestiary" of this game is its own cast: fragile birds whose combined abilities are the only weapon you need. Every rescue grows the flock, every grown flock opens new paths, and the danger is measured in thorns and long falls rather than enemies.