In the vibrant wilderness of Monster Hunter Wilds, tracking down the elusive Dapperwing is a quest that blends keen observation with a touch of patience. These colorful, bird-like creatures flit through the Scarlet Forest’s lush canopies, their seasonal plumage shifting from camouflaged greens to dazzling rainbows. Whether perched quietly on branches or calling out in small flocks, finding and capturing a Dapperwing is key to completing Samin’s Research Report-a side quest that invites hunters to explore the ecosystem beyond monster battles. Ready your Capture Net and mount your Seikret, because this guide will lead you straight to the best Dapperwing hotspots across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Our guide tells you where to find dapperwings in Monster Hunter Wilds and how to get one to complete the quest.
Where to find dapperwing locations in Monster Hunter Wilds
Dapperwings in Monster Hunter Wilds can be found primarily in the Scarlet Forest region. Key locations to find them include around the Bower of the Great Tree (Area 7) and Areas 6, 12, and 17 within the forest. They often rest on fallen logs, branches, or ledges, and are more visible during the Plenty season due to their bright colors. Listening for their distinctive bird-like calls can help locate them. To capture a Dapperwing, use the Capture Net from your item bar or radial menu; if the net can’t reach, mounting your Seikret provides extra height to catch them. Capturing a Dapperwing is essential for completing Samin’s Research Report side quest.
To find a dapperwing, you’ll first need to head to the lush corners of the Scarlet Forest. A good place to start is around the Bower of the Great Tree(Area 7)pop-up camp location. From there, we headed over to Area 6, where we found three different spots with dapperwings.
From what we gathered, dapperwings are usually in flocks and can be seen perching on fallen trees and branches. We found multiple of them during the daytime. A good cue is the sound they make, resembling regular birds.
For some additional pointers, head east from the “6” on the map, and keep an eye out for the birds on the trees.
How to catch a dapperwing in Monster Hunter Wilds
To catch a Dapperwing in Monster Hunter Wilds, first head to the Scarlet Forest, especially around areas like the Bower of the Great Tree (Area 7), Area 12 near the ruins, or Area 17 by the Great Lake shore, where these creatures are commonly found during the day, particularly in the Plenty season when their colors are more vibrant and easier to spot. Equip your Capture Net from the item bar or radial menu, then aim carefully using LT (controller) or Right-Click (PC) until the capture reticle turns orange, indicating you are in range to throw the net. If the Dapperwing is perched too high, mount your Seikret to gain extra height for a better shot. Once captured, return to Samin at the Windward Plains base camp to complete the related side quest, Samin’s Research Report.
Once you’ve spotted at least one dapperwing, all that’s left is to capture them. You can equip your capture net either from the item bar or from your Essential Items radial menu. If you need some extra height to reach the target, mount your Seikret and use the capture net while on top of it.
Approach the dapperwings slowly to prevent them from flying away. Unlike tracktail lizards, since dapperwings are usually far from the ground, they won’t mind if you walk close to them. With the new rectangle reticle, approach the dapperwing slowly until the reticle turns yellow-orange and fire it.
As always, make sure you hit L2/LT and not the usual Square/X.
Next up, you’ll need to find ember rufflizards. Completing the “Samin’s Research Report” side mission rewards you with blue mushrooms (ten), honey (five), 50 guild points, and some experience for your hunter rank and palico level.
What secret spots in Scarlet Forest hide the most Dapperwings
The best secret spots to find the most Dapperwings in Scarlet Forest are mainly concentrated around Areas 12, 15, and 17. Area 17 is especially recommended due to the nearby Pop-Up Camp, which allows for easy fast travel and time changes to optimize Dapperwing spawns. One prime location is near the Woodwood Hideout in the Scarlet Forest-fast travel there, move through the hideout, then jump off near a fallen tree where Dapperwings perch on the broken end of the log. Another notable spot is the northern end of the corridor connecting Areas 10 and 12, where pairs of Dapperwings have been spotted sitting on branches beneath a bridge on the stone path. Additionally, some players have found Dapperwings to the left after a Seikret jump from the front door of the Wudwud area, though this may be less consistent. Setting up camp in Area 17 and frequently fast traveling back and forth is a practical strategy to encounter multiple Dapperwings quickly.
What is the most reliable area in Scarlet Forest to find Dapperwings
The most reliable area in Scarlet Forest to find Dapperwings is the path linking Areas 13 and 17, especially around Area 14. This corridor is known for consistent Dapperwing spawns, making it a prime spot for hunters aiming to capture them quickly. Another highly dependable location is near the Woodwood Hideout in Area 17-fast travel to the Hideout, pass through it, and jump off near a fallen tree where Dapperwings often perch on the broken end of the log. Additionally, the ruins on the west side of Area 12 and the ledge overlooking the Great Lake in Area 17 are also noted for frequent Dapperwing sightings. Overall, Area 17, with its convenient Pop-Up Camp and multiple Dapperwing hotspots, is considered the best base for reliable encounters.
