Okay, so I compared the Splatoon 2 & MK8 sparrow model, and there are various similarities and differences. They both have the exact same albedo texture, but the MK8 model also has a specular map while the Splatoon model doesn't. The Splatoon model has legs, but the MK8 model doesn't, despite containing the texture for them. The MK8 Model has fully modelled wings and tail, whereas the Splatoon model uses planes for them, with two planes for the tail. The T-pose for the models are also different, with the MK8 model having the wings facing down and the tail up, and the Splatoon model having wings facing forward and the tail down. Also the body is different with the MK8 model being curved and coming to a point, while the Splatoon model is more round. So they kinda reused the model, but not entirely.

@VR_SharkMelon I was thinking the same thing.

seams like they actually reused splatoons sparrow

BIRD UP

Birb up

real birb

birb