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The Hippogriff is a creature from medieval European mythology. It is said to be the offspring of a male Griffin (a creature that is half-lion, half-eagle) and a female horse. This is as unlikely a match-up as the combination that produces the Blast-Ended Skrewt (Manticores and Fire Crabs), as the Griffin traditionally sees the horse as prey and is thus unlikely to mate with it. The Hippogriff is therefore very rare. It can be tamed, unlike the Griffin, and is ridden by the hero in some tales.
The Hippogriff has the head and front legs of an eagle and the body and back legs of a horse. It is dangerous when wild, although it can be tamed by an expert. JKR's Hippogriffs understand human speech although they cannot speak themselves, and caution should be exercised when approaching one, as they are very proud creatures. They will attack if insulted. Eye contact should be maintained, and bowing is seen as a statement of the human's peaceable intentions. If the creature is receptive to an approach, it will bow in return. The Hippogriff originated in Europe and feeds on insects, birds and small animals [FB].
The creature has a large wingspan and is capable of flight, and will even let wizards ride on it if it has taken a liking to them. Hogwarts keep a herd of 12 Hippogriffs for use in Care of Magical Creatures lessons. It was here that Harry rode Buckbeak, who shortly afterwards gored Draco Malfoy for being rude to him. Buckbeak was condemned to death, but rescued by Harry and Hermione, and was finally used by Sirius Black to make his escape from Hogwarts. Following Sirius's death, Buckbeak is now cared for by Hagrid, and joined in the Battle of Hogwarts towards the end, fighting on the side of the Order of the Phoenix against the Death Eaters
