Although the idea that Rufflet's evolutionary line would become the region's national pokemon was agreed on from the moment of Unovan independence, there was some disagreement as to which evolutionary stage should be chosen. Today, when Unova towers above the world in population, wealth, power, and even the height of its buildings, the large, powerful, and majestic Braviary seems fitting to represent this mighty land. But for much of its early history, it was far more common for Unovans to see themselves as Rufflet.
Although far from the most powerful pokemon in combat, Rufflet are ferocious birds who make up for their frailty with raw courage and determination, and by doing so win many matches even after their trainers have given up. Unova's own revolution was a similar war, where the region rebelled against a far larger empire and many times approached defeat, but were inspired to continue fighting back by the courage of these pokemon – one widespread anecdote from that era describes a patriotic Rufflet who thought nothing of challenging a musket-bearing officer, and flew so erratically and pecked so fiercely that it evaded every shot until the officer collapsed.
Today, Rufflet often frustrate trainers and pokemon nurses alike for their unwillingness to accept defeat, for these pokemon will keep fighting until unconsciousness, even when they are bleeding and barely able to move, and refuse any efforts from their trainer to call them back. Although this wins them a few extra matches, these victories are rarely worth the severe injuries and lengthy healing time that Rufflet require in the aftermath. But sometimes, that match is a gym battle or a major tournament, and that determination is the difference between victory and defeat – and then trainers from all nations love their Rufflet like they were the most flag-waving of Unovans.