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This creature originated in Egyptian mythology, and the Phoenixes depicted in the Harry Potter series remain true to the ancient version. The Egyptian Phoenix could regenerate itself at the point of death, either from old age or an injury, and also heal with its tears. Other abilities assigned to it by JKR, such as the ability to Apparate and maintain extra-sensory communication with humans, are her own invention. After the fall of the Egypian empire, the Phoenix was used in Christianity as a symbol of Jesus, due to it's ability to rise from the dead.
The Harry Potter version of the Phoenix is a large scarlet bird with a gold tail, beak and talons. Its most startling feature is its ability to regenerate itself: it bursts into flame when its body becomes old and rises from the ashes as a new-born chick. This allows these birds to grow to a great age. In addition, the Phoenix can disappear and re-appear at will, and also boasts magical tears and song. The tears have potent healing capabilities, able to bring a person back even from the brink of death, whilst the song will increase the courage of the good and strike fear into the hearts of the evil. Phoenixes are vegetarians, eating herbs. There are no records of a Phoenix ever killing another creature [FB].
The Phoenix is, however, notoriously difficult to domesticate, and few wizards have ever achieved such a task [FB]. One of those few was Albus Dumbledore, who kept his pet Phoenix, Fawkes, in his study [COS12]. Dumbledore enjoyed a remarkable relationship with the bird, which appeared to be able to understand his thoughts, and perhaps even comprehend human speech. Both of these were demonstrated when Dumbledore set Fawkes to go on the lookout for the snooping Dolores Umbridge after Arthur Weasley had been attacked by Nagini [OOTP22]. Fawkes does not share this level of communication with just Albus, however, as he was drawn to Harry in the Chamber of Secrets simply by Harry showing strong loyalty to Dumbledore [COS17].
Fawkes is unswervingly loyal to his master, and has protected and helped him on a number of occasions. Fawkes helped Dumbledore disappear from the school when Cornelius Fudge was attempting to arrest him, assistance that was necessary because even Dumbledore cannot Apparate within the walls of Hogwarts [OOTP27]. Fawkes also took an Avada Kedavra for him during the battle at the Department of Mysteries [OOTP37]. The spell killed Fawkes, as one would expect, but being a Phoenix, he simply burst into flame and was reborn as a chick once again. The Phoenix was mysteriously absent, however, when Dumbledore was murdered by Snape on the Hogwarts ramparts [HBP27]. This has led many observers to believe that either the death was faked, or that Dumbledore actually wanted to die.
Fawkes has also saved Harry's life with his tears: this first occurred in the Chamber of Secrets, when Harry had been poisoned by the Basilisk [COS17]. He also cured Harry's Acromantula wound after the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament, although it is unclear whether this particular injury would have been fatal [GOF36]. Following his healing of Harry in the Chamber of Secrets, Fawkes then flew back up to ground level carrying Harry, Ron, Ginny and Gilderoy Lockhart, showing that in addition to everything else, the Phoenix is immensely strong and capable of carrying very heavy weights [COS17].
Mr Ollivander, the world's premier wandmaker [JKR Website] believes that Phoenix tail feathers are one of only three acceptable wand core materials [PS5], although other manufacturers use different cores. A feather from Fawkes himself is at the core of the wands of both Harry and Voldemort [GOF36].
