Pokémon are fascinating creatures with unique skillsets. Dragon-type and Ghost-type Pokémon are often mislabeled, but can we blame Pokémon's creators? The Pokémon Company has good reasons for its classifications. They might make exceptions to balance the Pokédex. Since a Pokémon can only be a single element type or dual-type, every Pokémon's type doesn't match its appearance.
The Pokédex can identify a Pokémon's element types. Firebreathing Dragon-types could be Fire-types, but this isn't always the case. Ultimately, Pokémon's creators make choices that impact gameplay. Let's take a look at those that should be Flying-type but may have been incorrectly classified.
10 Dragonair
Dragonair is the 148th Pokémon in the first generation Kanto Pokédex. The most obvious giveaway that this should be a Flying-type Pokémon is the wings. Its wings enlarge when Dragonair is flying.
Dragonite, Dragonair's third-stage evolution, is recognized as a Flying-type, making this erroneous typing even more unsettling. Dragonair evolves from a Dratini, a Pokémon that could also be considered a Flying-type, at level 30. The wings are a dead giveaway, leading us to believe Dragonair should be a Flying-type.
9 Venomoth
Most people expected that when Venonat evolved into a Pokémon that spread its wings, it would be labeled as a Flying-type. Instead, Venomoth is a dual-type Bug and Poison. Had the Pokémon creators made exceptions for Pokémon that are three element-types, Venomoth would be a top candidate. Most would expect an Electric-type move to be Super Effective, but it's actually not very effective given Venomoth's Grass-type. If this isn't a Flying-type Pokémon, then what is?
8 Magnemite
This is a Pokémon that was initially an Electric-type only. Magnemite and his evolutions were changed to an Electric and Steel-type in Generation II, with Steel's introduction. We see Magnemite flying most of the time, which is why it would make sense for it to be a Flying-type.
Magnemite defies gravity by generating an electromagnetic field while using magnetic units. There is no act of flying, which is why this typing is confusing but understandable.
7 Mewtwo
In Pokémon canon, Mewtwo is an extraordinarily powerful Pokémon with the power to fly. In fact, he can fly better than many Pokémon that are Flying-type. This is a Pokémon who can learn the majority of TMs, yet Mewtwo cannot learn most Flying-type moves. Mewtwo has been seen flying in the anime on numerous occasions. However, it is possible that Mewtwo only flies by using his Psychic-type powers to levitate.
6 Reshiram
The mascot of Pokémon Black happens to be one of the biggest oversights of Pokémon's creators. Time and time again, Pokémon with the Dragon-type are not given the Flying-type categorization. Reshiram is a Dual-type Dragon and Fire. It's been documented that Reshiram can fly at high speeds, using its tail as a jet engine. Since this Pokémon is part Dragon-type and Fire-type, this means it cannot have a third element. If there were one, it would undoubtedly be the Flying-type.
5 Vibrava
Our first impression of this dragonfly Pokémon leads us to believe it is a Bug-type and Flying-type. If that was your guess, then you'll be surprised to learn that Vibrava is a Dragon-type and Ground-type. This Pokémon has wings, but the Pokémon creators once again defy all logic by giving it a different element type. This Pokémon has undeveloped wings, so it can only fly short distances at a time.
4 Haunter
This is one of the scariest Ghost-type Pokémon in history, even though it is classified as the wrong type. While the argument could be made that Haunter can fly because it is a Ghost-type, it doesn't explain why Pokémon like Drifloon and Drifblim are dual-type Ghost and Flying.
There are irregularities in the Pokémon world that can only be described as phenomena. Haunter is yet another Pokémon that should be a Flying-type.
3 Unown
Quite a lot is shrouded in mystery about Unown, but one thing we know is that this Pokémon can fly. It can stick on walls and levitate. According to Unown's Pokémon Crystal Pokédex entry, "Because different types of Unown exist, it is said that they must have a variety of abilities." It's possible that not every Unown can levitate, but the anime and mainline game series tell us otherwise.
2 Celebi
Celebi is essentially like the Mew of Pokémon's second generation. Rather than being a Psychic-type only (like Mew), Celebi is also a Grass-type. It is the last Pokémon in the Johto Pokédex. It cannot learn a single Flying-type move by TM, although you'll notice that Celebi has insect-like wings by looking closely. Was this Pokémon improperly categorized, or is it more of a Psychic-type and Grass-type than a Flying-type Pokémon?
1 Flygon
Flygon is the quintessential example of a Pokémon that should be Flying-type. The first syllable in its name is the word "fly." Instead, we are told that Flygon is a Ground-type and Dragon-type. Thie mystical Pokémon has been spotted flying, leading us to instinctively believe it is part Flying-type.