A group of Northern Gannet's sunbathing.

What Kind of Bird is Scuttle in Little Mermaid? Revealed!

Scuttle, the beloved sidekick in Disney’s Little Mermaid, has captured the hearts of audiences with his quirky personality and charming presence. However, the question remains: what kind of bird is Scuttle? In this article, we’ll explore the truth behind Scuttle’s avian identity and how it has evolved throughout the Little Mermaid franchise.

Key Takeaways:

  • Scuttle, originally portrayed as a male seagull, transforms into a female Northern Gannet for underwater scenes
  • Scuttle’s character has become an iconic part of the Little Mermaid story, providing both comedic relief and essential assistance to Ariel
  • Scuttle’s enduring popularity has secured his place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide
A Northern Gannet sitting in its nest.
Image by Co_Sch from Pixabay

What Kind of Bird is Scuttle in Little Mermaid?

In the 1989 Disney animated movie “The Little Mermaid,” Scuttle is portrayed as an eccentric seagull and self-proclaimed expert on human stuff. However, in the live-action adaptation released in 2023, Scuttle was portrayed as a female Northern Gannet, a large seabird known for its preference for oceanic habitats and the ability to forage for food sources by plunging headfirst into the water.

The Enigmatic Character – Scuttle

Scuttle is a beloved character in Disney’s Little Mermaid, known for his eccentric personality and comical antics. As a sidekick to Ariel, Scuttle provides both avian expertise and comedic relief throughout the story.

Originally portrayed as a male seagull, Scuttle underwent a transformation for underwater scenes, assuming the appearance of a female Northern Gannet. This diving bird is known for its graceful movements and striking appearance, adding depth to Scuttle’s character.Stay tuned to uncover the truth behind Scuttle’s bird species in the following section.

Scuttle’s Avian Identity Revealed

Scuttle, the beloved sidekick in Disney’s Little Mermaid, is known for his comical personality and quirky antics. However, the true identity of this iconic character has been a topic of debate among fans. So, what kind of bird is Scuttle in Little Mermaid?

Scuttle is portrayed as a seagull but for underwater scenes, Scuttle takes on the appearance of a female Northern Gannet, a type of diving bird. This avian switch-up reveals the creative team’s attention to detail and dedication to bringing Scuttle’s character to life.

The Northern Gannet’s graceful movements and striking appearance add depth to Scuttle’s character, showcasing the little-known complexities of this lovable sidekick.Keywords: what kind of bird is scuttle in Little Mermaid, scuttle bird, Little Mermaid bird, scuttle character, scuttle the seagull, bird in Little Mermaid, seagull in Little Mermaid, Little Mermaid seagull

From Seagull to Northern Gannet

In Disney’s Little Mermaid, Scuttle is initially portrayed as a male seagull, known for his endearing quirkiness and comical antics. However, for underwater scenes, Scuttle has undergone a transformation and now assumes the role of a female Northern Gannet, a diving bird known for its graceful movements and striking appearance.

This change in species adds a layer of depth to Scuttle’s character and highlights the attention to detail put into the production of the film. It also showcases the creative ways in which Disney animators can bring imaginary characters to life and give them distinctive personality traits that resonate with audiences of all ages.

The Quirky Traits of Scuttle

Scuttle is more than just a bird in the Little Mermaid universe; he’s a beloved character known for his unique quirks and lovable personality. Voiced by actor Buddy Hackett, Scuttle’s exaggerated storytelling and not-so-accurate knowledge about human artifacts bring laughter and charm to the story.

Scuttle’s avian identity adds to the depth of his character, as he is portrayed as a male seagull for most of the film but transforms into a female Northern Gannet, a diving bird known for its graceful movements and striking appearance, for the underwater scenes.

Throughout the film, Scuttle plays a crucial role in assisting Ariel with his avian expertise and providing comedic relief. His character contributes significantly to the overall storyline and is a fan-favorite for his impact on the plot.

Scuttle’s Role in the Story

Scuttle, the iconic character in Disney’s Little Mermaid, plays a crucial part in assisting Ariel on her journey. As an avian expert, he provides knowledge and insight into the human world, helping Ariel navigate her new surroundings. However, Scuttle’s character is not just limited to his role as an advisor. His comedic relief and quirky personality add depth and charm to the overall story.

Initially portrayed as a male seagull, Scuttle has undergone a transformation for underwater scenes. In these moments, Scuttle assumes the appearance of a female Northern Gannet, a type of diving bird known for its graceful movements and striking appearance. This transformation not only adds to the character’s uniqueness but also showcases the creative team’s attention to detail.

Scuttle’s interactions with other characters serve to strengthen the narrative, particularly his friendship with Ariel. He provides a supportive and endearing presence, making him an integral part of the story. Additionally, Scuttle’s humorous misunderstandings and exaggerated storytelling make him a fan-favorite character.

Overall, Scuttle’s character contributes significantly to the success of Little Mermaid, providing both comedic relief and valuable insights into the human world. As a lovable sidekick and avian expert, Scuttle’s role in the story is not one to be overlooked.

A Northern Gannet perched on a large rock.
Image by Achim Scholty from Pixabay

Scuttle’s Impact on Pop Culture

Scuttle’s endearing personality and memorable moments have firmly secured his status as a fan favorite character in the Little Mermaid franchise. As the comical sidekick of Ariel, he has remained a beloved character over the years, even gaining popularity through memes and merchandise.

Scuttle’s quirky mannerisms and unique traits have influenced pop culture at large. He has become synonymous with the idea of a charming and lovable character, even inspiring similar sidekicks in other popular media. Scuttle has transcended his original role as a supporting character and has become a cultural icon in his own right.

Scuttle’s impact on pop culture extends beyond just his character portrayal. His avian identity, specifically his transformation into a Northern Gannet for underwater scenes, adds a layer of depth to his character, making him more than just a surface-level sidekick.

Overall, Scuttle’s impact on pop culture cannot be overstated. He has left a lasting impression on audiences and continues to inspire and entertain fans of all ages.

Interesting Facts About Scuttle

Scuttle, the iconic sidekick character in Disney’s Little Mermaid, is known for his quirky personality and comedic moments. Here are some interesting facts about Scuttle that you may not have known:

FactDetails
Scuttle’s voice actorScuttle is voiced by legendary actor Buddy Hackett, who brought his unique talents and comedic timing to the role.
Scuttle’s nameThe word “scuttle” means to run hurriedly with short, quick steps, which is a fitting name for the fast-moving and energetic seagull character.
Scuttle’s appearanceScuttle is often depicted with one eye open and the other closed, creating a lopsided expression that adds to his endearing charm.
Scuttle’s transformationAs previously mentioned, Scuttle was originally portrayed as a male seagull. However, for underwater scenes, Scuttle assumes the appearance of a female Northern Gannet, a type of diving bird known for its graceful movements and striking appearance.
Scuttle’s human artifactsThroughout the movie, Scuttle provides comical interpretations of human objects, including calling a fork a “dinglehopper” and a pipe a “snarfblatt”.

These interesting facts offer a glimpse into the creative and imaginative world of Scuttle, and add to his charm as a beloved character in the Little Mermaid franchise.

Scuttle’s Evolution as a Character

Scuttle’s character underwent several changes during the production of Little Mermaid. Originally portrayed as a male seagull, the creative team decided to transform Scuttle into a female Northern Gannet for underwater scenes to give her a more graceful appearance.

According to co-directors Ron Clements and John Musker, the decision to change Scuttle’s species came after they watched footage of Northern Gannets diving into the ocean from a height of 100 feet. Impressed by their remarkable flight and dive abilities, they decided to incorporate the bird into the film.

Aside from this transformation, Scuttle’s character also went through several revisions. Originally scripted as a serious character, the animators felt that a more lighthearted approach would fit the tone of the film better. Thus, Scuttle’s quirky personality and comical misunderstandings were born, making him one of the most beloved characters in Little Mermaid.

It’s fascinating to see how Scuttle’s character evolved throughout the production of Little Mermaid, from his initial conception to the final version seen on screen.

A Northern Gannet flying through the sky.
Image by Hans Toom from Pixabay

Scuttle’s Memorable Moments

Scuttle’s quirky personality and comical antics have made him one of the most beloved characters in The Little Mermaid. Let’s take a look at some of his most memorable moments:

The “Dinglehopper” Scene

One of Scuttle’s most iconic moments is when he tries to explain a fork to Ariel. He hilariously mislabels it as a “dinglehopper,” insisting that humans use it to style their hair. This scene perfectly showcases Scuttle’s zany personality and his limited knowledge of human objects.

The “Kiss the Girl” Song

Scuttle also plays a pivotal role in the romantic duet, “Kiss the Girl.” He leads a group of sea creatures in a musical number to encourage Prince Eric to kiss Ariel. Scuttle’s enthusiastic participation adds to the playful and whimsical tone of the scene.

The “Human Stuff” Scene

Scuttle’s fascination with human objects is another recurring theme that leads to several humorous scenes. In one memorable sequence, Scuttle examines a pipe and concludes that it’s a “snarfblatt” used to make music. His humorous interpretation of human objects adds an extra layer of fun to the story.

The Fight Scene

Scuttle proves that he’s not just a comic relief character in a thrilling scene where he helps Ariel and her friends fight against Ursula and her minions. Scuttle uses his aerial abilities to distract and attack the evil creatures, proving that he’s a valuable ally in the battle.

The Finale

In the final moments of the film, Scuttle flies overhead as Ariel and Eric exchange a romantic kiss. His presence serves as a reminder of the fun and lightheartedness that he brought to the story, and his inclusion in the final shot perfectly encapsulates his role as a beloved character in the film.

Scuttle’s Legacy

Since his debut in Disney’s Little Mermaid, Scuttle has become a beloved character in the Disney franchise. The enigmatic seagull-turned-Northern Gannet has made a lasting impact on pop culture, cementing his status as a fan favorite.

Scuttle’s quirky personality, exaggerated storytelling, and not-so-accurate knowledge about human artifacts provide comic relief throughout the story. He also plays a crucial role in assisting Ariel with his avian expertise.

Through his memorable moments, Scuttle has left a lasting legacy in the world of Disney. From trying to explain human objects to his interactions with other characters, Scuttle’s comedic brilliance will always be remembered.

Scuttle’s character has evolved over time, from his initial conception to the final version seen on screen. His transformation from a male seagull to a female Northern Gannet for underwater scenes adds depth to his character and showcases the creative team’s attention to detail.

Scuttle’s impact on pop culture and his enduring popularity have secured his place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide. As one of the most beloved sidekicks in Disney history, Scuttle’s legacy is sure to continue for years to come.

Conclusion

Scuttle, the lovable and quirky character in Disney’s Little Mermaid, has captivated viewers with his unique personality and comedic antics. Through discussions about his avian identity, it was revealed that Scuttle was originally portrayed as a male seagull. However, for underwater scenes, Scuttle assumes the appearance of a female Northern Gannet, a type of diving bird known for its elegance and striking appearance.

Scuttle’s endearing personality and memorable moments have made him an iconic character in the world of Disney. His exaggerated storytelling and not-so-accurate knowledge about human artifacts bring laughter and charm to the Little Mermaid universe. Scuttle plays a crucial role in the story, assisting Ariel with his avian expertise and providing comedic relief throughout the narrative.

His enduring popularity has secured his place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide. From behind-the-scenes trivia to memorable moments, Scuttle’s character has been shaped by the creative team and has become an integral part of the Little Mermaid story.

Scuttle’s transformation from male seagull to female Northern Gannet adds to the depth of his character, making him an unforgettable sidekick in Disney’s enchanting world of underwater adventures. As a fan favorite, Scuttle’s impact on pop culture and his lasting legacy within the Little Mermaid franchise continue to be celebrated.

A close-up shot of a pair of Northern Gannets.
Image by Annette from Pixabay

FAQs: What Kind of Bird is Scuttle in Little Mermaid?

What kind of bird is Scuttle in Little Mermaid?

Scuttle is portrayed as a seagull, specifically a Northern Gannet for underwater scenes.

Who is Scuttle in Little Mermaid?

Scuttle is a prominent character in Disney’s Little Mermaid, known for his eccentric personality and comical antics.

What are Scuttle’s quirky traits?

Scuttle is characterized by his unique quirks and lovable personality, such as his exaggerated storytelling and not-so-accurate knowledge about human artifacts.

What is Scuttle’s role in the story?

Scuttle plays a crucial role in Little Mermaid, assisting Ariel with his avian expertise and providing comedic relief throughout the narrative.

What is Scuttle’s impact on pop culture?

Scuttle’s endearing personality and memorable moments have made him an iconic character in the world of Disney, leaving a lasting impact on pop culture.

What are some interesting facts about Scuttle?

Delve into a collection of interesting facts about Scuttle, including behind-the-scenes trivia, voice actor details, and unique anecdotes that bring this beloved character to life.

How has Scuttle evolved as a character?

Witness the evolution of Scuttle as a character, from his initial conception to the final version seen on screen, and discover how the creative team shaped his memorable traits.

What are some of Scuttle’s memorable moments in Little Mermaid?

Relive some of Scuttle’s most memorable moments in Little Mermaid, from his attempts to explain human objects to his interactions with other characters, showcasing his comedic brilliance.

What is Scuttle’s legacy?

Scuttle’s enduring popularity has secured his place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy within the Little Mermaid franchise.

Author

  • Vince S

    Meet Vince, the passionate founder and author of Learn Bird Watching, boasting 30 years of birding experience. With an unwavering mission to empower fellow bird enthusiasts, Vince shares invaluable wisdom and guidance. As a dedicated moderator and contributor to Quora's Bird Watchers' Club, he actively engages with the birding community, where his insightful answers have garnered over 440,000 views and over 2,670 upvotes. Whether you're a budding birder or a seasoned avian aficionado, his wealth of knowledge is at your service.