Torchic is May’s first partner Pokémon in Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire.
May receives Torchic from Professor Birch in the Hoenn region. Her first encounter with Pokémon is not immediately enthusiastic: she originally wants to travel for her own reasons rather than become a serious Pokémon Trainer. Her experiences with Torchic gradually change that attitude.
Torchic accompanies May through her development as a Pokémon Coordinator. It eventually evolves into Combusken and later into Blaziken, giving the series a clear visual record of May’s growth and increasing confidence. Torchic also participates in battles and Pokémon Contests.
Treecko and Mudkip are the other two Hoenn starter choices associated with Professor Birch, but they are not May’s partner in the television series. Ash receives Treecko, while Mudkip becomes associated with Brock’s team.