The Birdman is a Taken type in Alan Wake's American Nightmare, it somewhat replaces the Tele-flanker from Alan Wake.

Birdmen have no darkness shield, yet have the ability to transform into a flock of ravens to escape danger or close distance. They are a lot stronger then normal taken and take less recoil than most enemies.

Behind the Scenes

• The Birdman's internal development name was "Spectre" based on the name files. Furthermore, the manuscript page relating to the Birdman is named "The Spectre"
• The Birdmen were first featured in the 13 minute prototype demonstration of Alan Wake 2. After thet pitch of the sequel was scrapped, the Birdmen were retained and eventually used in Alan Wake's American Nightmare. Even so, there are a few differences between the prototype and final incarnations of the Birdmen:
  • During the prototype demonstration, the birdman takes the form of a man wearing a coat instead of the more monsttrous appearence they ended up having in Alan Wake's American Nightmare.
  • The Birdman was able to attack and push objects in its bird flock form, while the ones in American Nightmare only used that form to evade the player and reposition.
• The Birdmen were also planned to return in the official itiration of Alan Wake 2, but were scrapped during development. What remained was a piece of concept art, showing that they were closer to the prototype's more humanioid looking Birdmen than the monstrous ones in American Nightmare, although featuring multiple hands similar to the Taken Divers.
  • This makes it the second time the Birdmen were scrapped from an Alan Wake 2 pitch.

Gallery

Concept Art

An early concept for the Birdman in the prototype build of 'Alan Wake 2'

Concept art of an unused Birdman for the official release of Alan Wake 2 by Oliver Odmark

Alan Wake's American Nightmare

A Birdman confronting Alan Wake

A Birdman blinded by the light

A Birdman mid-transformation

A Birdman as a flock of ravens