The Garuda is a flying enemy from Final Fantasy IX. It can be found in Oeilvert and Esto Gaza, and early in the game in Popos Heights. Despite its appearance, it is remarkably hardy and knows several deadly spells. One of these, Maelstrom, reduces a targeted party member's health to a single digit without fail and ignores Reflect.
Single Garudas attack in the "bridge" area of Oeilvert containing the first unlockable hologram generator. Later, in Esto Gaza, they appear in pairs. It is extremely useful to equip several of your party members with the Locomotion ability in order to negate the Stop spell, which is preferable to Garuda's other attacks.
The Garuda is weak against wind and shadow property attacks.
A friendly Garuda can be found in Popo's Heights on the Mist Continent as part of a sidequest. It requests a Lapis Lazuli and will reward the party with 40 AP if obliged. Regular lone Garudas at this spot may also be used for grinding levels early if care and lots patience is taken.