Birchfall

"The training they give us is good. It gives us a chance to make the Clan even stronger. I thought I'd learned all I could, but now I see there are ways to be even more powerful in battle for my Clan."

— Birchfall to Ivypool about training in the Dark Forest in The Forgotten Warrior, page 24

Birchfall
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation.
Affiliations
Current:	ThunderClan
Biographical information
Age:	Approx. 113 moons (9.42 year(s)) old
Names
Kit:	Birchkit
Apprentice:	Birchpaw
Warrior:	Birchfall
Senior warrior:	Birchfall
Kin
Mother:	Ferncloud
Father:	Dustpelt
Sisters:	Hollykit, Larchkit, Icecloud
Brothers:	Shrewpaw, Spiderleg, Foxleap
Mate:	Whitewing
Daughters:	Ivypool, Dovewing
Education
Mentor:	Ashfur
Dark Forest mentor:	Ivypool
Book appearances
Living	The New Prophecy, Power of Three, Omen of the Stars, A Vision of Shadows, The Broken Code, River, Sky, Shadow, Thunder, Wind, Super Editions, Novellas, Secrets of the Clans, Battles of the Clans
Living	The New Prophecy, Power of Three, Omen of the Stars, A Vision of Shadows, The Broken Code, River, Sky, Shadow, Thunder, Wind, Super Editions, Novellas, Secrets of the Clans, Battles of the Clans

Birchfall is a light brown tabby tom with amber eyes and glossy fur.

Birchfall is a ThunderClan warrior that has served under Firestar's, Bramblestar's, the impostor's, Lionblaze's, Graystripe's, and Squirrelstar's leaderships in the lake territories. He was born in the old forest as Birchkit to Dustpelt and Ferncloud in their second litter, and lost his sisters Hollykit and Larchkit to starvation due to the Twoleg destruction. He was looked after by Cody while his parents grieved for their lost kits. Upon reaching the lake, he was apprenticed as Birchpaw to his uncle, Ashfur, and later became a warrior named Birchfall. He eventually became mates with Whitewing and she gave birth to his kits, Dovekit and Ivykit.

He began training in the Place of No Stars, oblivious to their true intentions much to the chagrin of Ivypool, who was a spy there. He fought for the Clans during the Great Battle, but was regarded as a traitor to ThunderClan and Dustpelt nearly disowned him, but Birchfall and the other trainees were forgiven. He became a grandfather to both Ivypool's and Dovewing's litters. He was distraught to learn that Dovewing intended to move to ShadowClan, but accepted her choice nonetheless. After the impostor was revealed to be Ashfur, Birchfall condemned his former mentor and argued against killing his body in hopes of the real Bramblestar returning. His grandson through Dovewing, Birchkit, was named after him.

History

Looking for a longer overview? Find one here!

The New Prophecy

He is the only son in Dustpelt's and Ferncloud's newest litter, and as the Twolegs begin to tear up the forest, his sisters, Hollykit and Larchkit, die due to the lack of food. Due to this and his older brother Shrewpaw being killed on the Thunderpath, Dustpelt and Ferncloud find it hard to take care of him after losing three kits, and Birchkit is primarily looked after by Cody, whom he strikes a friendship with. As the Clans band together to find a new home, Birchkit becomes friends with Marshkit, Applekit, and Toadkit of ShadowClan, as they were the only other kits around. He is saddened when they have to leave for their new territories, but Firestar makes him an apprentice when they reach their new camp, giving him his uncle, Ashfur, as a mentor. During this time, he becomes close to the only other apprentice, Whitepaw.

Power of Three

"And don't let Birchfall ruffle your fur. He's bossy with the new warriors, but you'll soon get used to it."

―Hazeltail to Hollyleaf ^{Long Shadows, page 7}

Now a warrior with the name Birchfall, he is the older brother to Foxleap and Icecloud, and he and Whitewing become increasingly close, though Birchfall is noted to be a bit bossy with the newer warriors. He and Whitewing become mates, and she later becomes pregnant with his kits. After ThunderClan suspects Sol of murdering Ashfur, Birchfall is chosen to go on the journey to find him. Birchfall is cautious throughout the journey since he wishes to return safely for his unborn kits. He nearly drowns at the sun-drown-place, but Brambleclaw saves him. Once they return to camp, Whitewing gives birth to Dovekit and Ivykit.

Omen of the Stars

Birchfall is proud when his kits become apprentices, and he is shown to be supportive of his daughters, and does not seem to understand why they fight and quarrel since they were so close as kits. Birchfall has been recruited to the Place of No Stars, oblivious to the fact that the Dark Forest is training them ruthlessly to fight against the Clans. There he discovers that Ivypaw is training there as well, and Birchfall is happy to train with his daughter. When the battle against Clans begins, Birchfall initially hides, but decides to fight for the Clans when Ivypool convinces him to. During the battle, his mother Ferncloud and younger brother Foxleap are killed, but Birchfall survives.

A Vision of Shadows

Birchfall: "We'll take [Twigkit and Violetkit] back to ThunderClan now, so that they can be cared for, and then –"

Needlepaw: "They can be cared for just as well in ShadowClan."

^{The Apprentice's Quest, page 276}

Birchfall tells Needlepaw that ThunderClan will temporarily shelter the two young kits they found until the next Gathering, noting that they need be kept well and fighting over it was not going to help. Later on, he becomes the grandfather to Dovewing's and Ivypool's litters of kits, and when Dovewing disappears, he grieves for her with Whitewing and Ivypool. However, when she returns, Birchfall is overjoyed to see her, but becomes disappointed when she tells them she intends to move to ShadowClan. He does however, offer to escort her to the ThunderClan-ShadowClan border as a means of spending some last moments with his daughter.

The Broken Code

"But you're still alive. And your Clan needs you."

―Birchfall trying to get Squirrelflight to receive her nine lives ^{Lost Stars, page 248}

When Bramblestar dies, he grieves for his leader with his Clan. Though when Squirrelflight postpones getting her lives and name out of grief, he tries to encourage her to become ThunderClan's new leader, to which Squirrelflight snaps at him due to the stress of losing her mate and having to lead the Clan in his absence. Upon learning that Ashfur killed and possessed Bramblestar's corpse, Birchfall condemns his uncle and calls him a fox-heart who is obsessed with Squirrelflight, and argues against killing the dark warrior within Bramblestar's body, as they have no idea if Bramblestar could return to the living world if they kill his body.

A Starless Clan

"Have you got bees in your brain? For seasons, the Clans have gotten along very well with the warrior code, until Ashfur turned it against us. We need to follow the code, not start meddling with it. Not all changes are for the better."

―Birchfall to Flipclaw and Thriftear ^{River, page 44}

His daughter Dovewing has given birth to another litter of kits, Rowankit and Birchkit, with the latter being named after him. Birchfall is seen to be shocked and overjoyed at having one of his grandchildren named after him. After defeating Ashfur, the Clans decide to make changes to the warrior code and some cats have mixed opinions about it, including Birchfall. He and other senior warriors discuss about the new rule that can make warriors depose a leader. When Flipclaw and Thriftear eagerly talk about changes to the warrior code, Birchfall gets upset and says that they need to follow the code, because not all changes are good.

More Coming Soon

Super Editions

This section summarizes Birchfall's significant Super Editions appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!

"Of course you can do it. I'll be right behind you. I won't let you fall."

―Birchfall to Dovewing about climbing a cliff face ^{Bramblestar's Storm, page 108}

In Bramblestar's Storm, he helps his Clan during the mass flooding, and fights against the badgers with ShadowClan. He also grieves for his father, Dustpelt, when he dies during the battle.

Novellas

This section summarizes Birchfall's significant Novellas appearances. If you're looking for a full list, find one here!

"If one of us is to be forgiven, all must be forgiven."

―Birchfall to Dovewing ^{Dovewing's Silence, chapter 4}

In Dovewing's Silence, Birchfall, along with Blossomfall, Thornclaw, and Mousewhisker are regarded as traitors to ThunderClan for training in the Dark Forest. Dustpelt, grieving for Ferncloud, nearly disowns Birchfall because of his actions, not allowing him to see Ferncloud's body or even speaking to him, leaving Birchfall incredibly hurt. He, along with the other trainees, take a new oath of loyalty to their Clan, and are forgiven by most of their Clanmates.

Character pixels

Main images

The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. Kit Version Apprentice Version Warrior Version

Alternate images

The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. Alternative Kit Version Alternative Apprentice Version Alternative Warrior Version

Official art

Please do not edit this gallery Birchfall's icon on the Warriors family tree

Ceremonies

Birchpaw's apprentice ceremony

Firestar: This is a good day for ThunderClan. By naming new apprentices, we show that ThunderClan will survive and remain strong. Birchkit, from now on you will be known as Birchpaw. Ashfur, you are ready for an apprentice, you will be Birchpaw's mentor. Ashfur, you have known loss and grief, and found the strength to deal with them. I know you will pass on your strength to Birchpaw and teach him the skills that will make him a brave warrior of ThunderClan. Everyone: Birchpaw! Birchpaw! Reference: Twilight, page 113

Personality and traits

Birchfall is playful, immature, hardworking and laid-back. Due to being lonely as a kit, Birchfall cherishes his friends and families. Birchfall has high standards for himself, but can he get over his head at times. Birchfall has a childish side, whining at little things like a thorn in his paw. He has a competitive streak, eagerly wanting to prove himself.

Birchfall works hard for his Clan and respects others' skills, willing to learn from someone younger than him, like Ivypool. He trained in the Dark Forest for this reason, in order to be stronger for ThunderClan. Birchfall carries much guilt, such as not staying close to his ShadowClan friends, but especially for his role in the Great Battle. He even risked his life to redeem himself as a trainee. Even if others' decisions sadden him, he doesn't hold resentment and quietly accepts them. Birchfall is open minded to the point, as he accepted Hollyleaf, his mentor's killer, when he discovered Ashfur had attempted murder himself.

Relationships

Whitewing

Birchfall: "Huh! I don't know why Firestar picked Whitewing. I'd be just as good as her at mentoring."

Sandstorm: "Firestar picks the best cat for the job. Whitewing is older than you. And don't forget she could have been made a warrior much sooner, but she asked to put it off so you wouldn't be the only apprentice."

^{Outcast, page 37}

Birchfall cares deeply for his mate. During his apprenticeship, he only had Whitepaw as a denmate, becoming especially close to her. She delayed receiving her warrior name, so he wouldn't be lonely like he was as a kit. As a warrior, he had competitive streak with her, sulking that he could've been Icepaw's mentor instead of her. However, even if they have differing opinions, they made sure to be supportive.

Soon, Whitewing became pregnant with his kits. During this period, Birchfall was protective of her, even sleeping in the nursery. Though that didn't stop him from reluctantly leaving her on a mission to find Ashfur's killer. They happily raise their daughters together and were disappointed when Dovewing left for ShadowClan.

Dovewing and Ivypool

"I'm proud of you. Seeing you in the Dark Forest makes me realize how much I've underestimated your skills in the past."

―Birchfall to Ivypool ^{The Last Hope, chapter 6}

Birchfall was proud of his daughters since they were kits. Unlike his protective parents, Birchfall wanted them to be mature as apprentices. He scolded Dovepaw when she supposedly told childish fibs and got competitive with Ivypaw in a mock battle. As warriors, Birchfall respected them as equals and told dry jokes around them. When he trained in the Dark Forest with Ivypool, he admired her skills, thinking he underestimated her. So he didn't mind being mentored by her despite being younger and saw it as a bonding moment. However, both his daughters were uncomfortable with him being a trainee and didn't want to assume the worst of him. Like the other trainees, they helped their father to be re-accepted by their Clanmates. When Dovewing joined her mate, Tigerstar, in ShadowClan, Birchfall was relieved for her safety, but was still disappointed that she left ThunderClan.

Ferncloud

«She gazed at Birchkit, her eyes glittering with fear, and Leafpaw guessed she had dreaded closing her eyes in case she woke to find the last of her kits dead.»

—Leafpaw's thoughts on Ferncloud's worry for Birchkit's survival ^{Dawn, chapter 9}

Ferncloud was a tender and dedicated mother to her son. Despite the hardships of the Great Journey, she persisted to raise Birchkit, though became somewhat worrisome. Due to his littermates dying, Ferncloud struggled to let Birchpaw be independent in his early apprenticeship, but learned to focus on her queen duties instead.

Birchfall remains close to his mother, doing what's necessary to protect her. When Dustpelt became sick with greencough, he reluctantly stops his mother from going near him. When Ferncloud is killed in the battle with the Place of No Stars and Birchfall is barred from her burial due to being a Dark Forest trainee, he's deeply disheartened.

Dustpelt

Birchfall: "She was my mother. I want to carry her on her last journey."

Dustpelt: "You gave up that right when you betrayed your Clan."

^{Dovewing's Silence, chapter 2}

Dustpelt loved his son, instilling good morals into his kits while allowing Ferncloud to take a more comforting role for them. He'd often visit Birchfall's litter in the nursery, being firm yet proud, scolding them when necessary. After the deaths of his littermates, Dustpelt became fiercely protective of Birchkit, pushing Ferncloud to keep going despite her depression, determined to have him survive. Even when they reached a safe home by the lake, Dustpelt didn't want him taking unnecessary risks. Birchkit respected this, listening when he was told to apologize. His father was able to put his protectiveness aside to fondly watch him become an apprentice.

With every kit from the third litter surviving, Dustpelt could let go of his stress and have a more laid back relationship with Birchfall. However, the Great Battle estranged the once close pair. Since Birchfall trained with killers of Ferncloud, Dustpelt lashed out in his grief. He almost disowned his son as a traitor, feeling like he'd gone against everything he'd taught him. He didn't even allow him to be a part of his mother's burial. Slowly, Dustpelt's anger softened, but the two remained strained, acting more like mere Clanmates. Birchfall wasn't able to fully reconcile with his father before his death.

Hollykit and Larchkit

"Ferncloud, I'm so sorry about Hollykit. We will make sure Birchkit survives."

―Firestar to Ferncloud about her kits ^{Dawn, chapter 9}

As a kit, Birchfall shared typical sibling relationships with his sisters, enjoying playing with them and asking many questions. However, the destruction of the forest territories hit the litter tragically, killing Larchkit and Hollykit. As the strongest, Birchkit survived but was too young and sickly to fully comprehend their deaths. Despite this, Birchfall was able to move on, growing up to be a proud and healthy warrior.

Ashfur

"Birchpaw told me... Blackstar waiting on our territory... Had to come alone..."

―Firestar about Ashfur tricking Birchpaw ^{Sunset, page 290}

Ashfur helped provide for his nephew when Ferncloud was grieving for her others kits' deaths and was excited when he became his mentor. At first they had a decent relationship, but Ashfur ultimately valued his revenge on Squirrelflight more. He tricked Birchpaw into unknowingly being the trigger of Firestar's attempted murder.

Unaware that Ashfur scapegoated him, Birchfall still respected him as a warrior and grieved for his death. He even journeyed to bring his killer to justice despite having a pregnant mate. When he discovered the circumstances around Ashfur's murder, he quietly accepted his crimes and didn't hold it against Hollyleaf.

Cody

"I'll make sure [Ferncloud] eats the seed. And while she sleeps I can look after Birchkit. He'll be missing his sister."

―Cody about Ferncloud and Birchkit ^{Dawn, chapter 9}

Cody briefly cared for Birchfall as a kit, while she was waiting to return to her housefolk. She pitied him for losing his littermates, reminding her of her own kits who were living far away. Taking the role of a queen, Cody helped wash and feed Birchkit, when his mother, Ferncloud struggled with her kits' deaths. Birchkit grew attached to Cody, becoming confused and upset when she had to leave.

Toadfoot, Applefur, and Marshkit

Birchkit: "Can Toadkit and Applekit and Marshkit come too?"

Tallpoppy: "No, we belong to ShadowClan. We'll have our own territory now."

^{Starlight, chapter 5}

After the deaths of his sisters, Hollykit and Larchkit, Birchkit became lonely as a sole kit in the nursery, so he was overjoyed at the chance to befriend ShadowClan kits on the Great Journey, bonding with Tallpoppy's litter. When they had to live separately again once settled by the lake, Birchkit was defiant, announcing it was unfair and refusing to leave them. After some persuasion from his mother, Birchkit reluctantly accepted it, but complained he would be lonely again. As a warrior, Birchfall was mournful that he couldn't have a long friendship with them, wondering what happened to them. While Marshkit disappeared as a kit, and Toadfoot insisted to remain loyal to ShadowClan, Birchfall was able to reconnect with Applefur, as they were fellow Dark Forest trainees. They fought the Dark Forest together in the Great Battle, but Applefur died.

Family

Main article: Birchfall/Family

Birchfall is one of the few kits of Dustpelt and Ferncloud who survived to adulthood. Birchfall's mate is Whitewing, and Dovewing and Ivypool are their children. For more of Birchfall's family, click here!

Appearances

• Onestar's Confession
• Midnight (First appearance)
• Moonrise
• Dawn
• Starlight
• Twilight
• Sunset
• Leafpool's Wish
• The Sight
• Dark River
• Outcast
• Eclipse
• Long Shadows
• Sunrise
• Hollyleaf's Story (Allegiance only)
• The Fourth Apprentice
• Mistystar's Omen (Allegiance only)
• Fading Echoes
• Night Whispers
• Sign of the Moon
• The Forgotten Warrior
• The Last Hope
• Dovewing's Silence
• Crowfeather's Trial
• Bramblestar's Storm
• The Apprentice's Quest
• Thunder and Shadow
• Shattered Sky
• Darkest Night
• Tigerheart's Shadow (Allegiance only)
• River of Fire
• Tawnypelt's Clan (Allegiance only)
• Spotfur's Rebellion
• The Raging Storm
• Squirrelflight's Hope
• Lost Stars
• The Silent Thaw
• Veil of Shadows (Allegiance only)
• Darkness Within
• Graystripe's Vow (Allegiance only)
• Daisy's Kin
• The Place of No Stars
• A Light in the Mist (Allegiance only)
• River
• Sky
• Shadow
• Thunder
• Wind
• Ivypool's Heart
• Secrets of the Clans (Retconned)
• Battles of the Clans

Trivia

Interesting facts

• His grandson, Birchpaw, is implied to have been named after him.

Author statements

• One of Kate's favorite warrior names is Birchfall.

Mistakes

• He has been referred to as gray both as a kit and apprentice, and called tawny.
• Birchfall, Mousewhisker, and Blossomfall are mentioned to have fought on the side of the Dark Forest, when in fact, they hid when the battle started until Ivypool convinced them to fight for the Clans.

Continuity

The following information is from sources considered non-canon, retconned, or from adapted material.

• In Secrets of the Clans, a 2007 field guide, Birchpaw speaks on what it is like to be an apprentice. He allows his mother, Ferncloud, to continue doting on him, and appreciates Ashfur's methods of training. He enjoys hunting and is determined to obey the rules, and hopes to see Toadkit, Marshkit, and Applekit at his first Gathering.

Quotes

"I can't believe I'm finally an apprentice. I've been dreaming of this for moons!"

―Birchpaw about becoming an apprentice ^{Secrets of the Clans, page 109}

Birchfall: "Ow!"

Jaypaw: "If I don't get the thorn out, it's going to hurt a lot more. It's not that big."

^{Dark River, page 99}

«Birchfall always liked to pretend he was vastly wise and experienced compared with apprentices but Jaypaw hadn't forgotten the fuss he'd made over getting a thorn in his paw.»

—Jaypaw's thoughts about Birchfall ^{Dark River, pages 156-157}

"The sun came back, didn't it? It's not that big a deal."

―Birchfall to Hazeltail ^{Long Shadows, page 9}

Birchfall: "I don't know what I think about making changes to the warrior code. Especially this idea that we could get rid of a leader. It would be like—like telling the sun not to shine!"

Ivypool: "We would have been glad enough to get rid of Ashfur. Even when we still thought he was Bramblestar. Cats died because we went on accepting him as our leader, even though he was sending cats into exile and suspecting us all of disloyalty, like he had bees in his brain."

^{River, pages 5-6}

External links

• Honoring the Mother Cats on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
• Stand Together or Fall Divided on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
• Morningstar's Folly - When Peace Isn't the Answer on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
• Exclusive! Veil of Shadows: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)
• More Than Life Itself on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
• Asking a Great Deal on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
• Exclusive! Graystripe's Vow: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)
• Protect and defend on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
• Exclusive! Darkness Within: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Missing the old days on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
• Exclusive! The Place of No Stars Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Exclusive! A Warrior's Choice Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)
• Introducing your chosen 2021 plushes on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
• Exclusive! A Light in the Mist: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)
• Exclusive! River: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Exclusive! Sky: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Exclusive! Shadow: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Exclusive! Thunder: Excerpt on the Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiance only)
• Exclusive: Wind chapters on the Warriors official website (backup link)
• Exclusive! Ivypool's Heart chapters on the Warriors official website (backup link)

Fan content

• Warrior of the Week Gallery #42 - Birchfall on the Warriors official website (Warrior of the Week #42) (backup link)
• Family Artwork on the Warriors official website (backup link)