Which creature is Buckbeak in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books?

Buckbeak is a hippogriff in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. A hippogriff has the front parts of an eagle and the hindquarters of a horse, making it a distinctive hybrid magical creature.

Hagrid introduces Buckbeak during a Care of Magical Creatures lesson in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Harry successfully approaches and rides him after showing the respect required when meeting a hippogriff. Draco Malfoy insults Buckbeak and is injured, leading to a legal case and a death sentence for the animal.

Buckbeak is later renamed Witherwings. The name change helps protect him after his escape from execution. Hippogriffs should not be confused with thestrals, which are skeletal, winged horses visible to people who have witnessed death, or with phoenixes, magical birds known for rebirth and healing tears.