From WiKirby
Coo is one of Kirby's three original Animal Friends, being introduced in Kirby's Dream Land 2. Coo is a purple owl with a white chest, although some of his sprites and artwork depict him with gray instead of purple as his primary color.
When Kirby is traveling with Coo, the large owl holds the hero in his talons and carries him around, allowing him to fly faster than he normally could and fall much slower. Additionally, Kirby can inhale and fly at the same time, although he still has to be on the ground in order to swallow an enemy. Coo is also strong enough to fly against wind currents, making it possible to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.
