The Thunderbird is a legendary creature found in Native American folklore. It's considered a "supernatural" bird of power and strength. It is especially important, and richly depicted, in the art, songs and oral histories of many Pacific Northwest Coast cultures, and is found in various forms among the peoples of the American Southwest and Great Plains. Thunderbirds were major components of the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex of American prehistory. The Thunderbird's name comes from the common belief that the beating of its enormous wings causes thunder and stirs the wind.
"A legendary bird of Native American lore. They are said to live high in the mountains. Their flapping wings cause winds, their claps cause thunder, and their eyes shoot light. It is said they can carry the ocean on their backs and eat whales whole."
"A legendary bird found in Native American lore. Thunderbirds are said to live high in the mountains. Their flapping wings cause winds, their claps cause thunder, and their eyes shoot light. It is said they can carry the ocean on their backs and eat whales whole."
—Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse compendium
Thunderbird can teach Nanashi the Mazionga, Taunt and Ziodyne skills through its Demon Whisper. It receives a bonus to Electricity skills learned.
"A revered bird of Native American mythology said to live atop cloud-shrouded peaks. Resembles an eagle. Its wingbeats create thunderclaps, and some legends say its eyes can unleash lightning."