Thestral

A thestral is a breed of winged horse with a skeletal body, face with reptilian features, and wide, leathery wings that resemble those of a bat. They are very rare and are considered dangerous by the Ministry of Witchcraft. Thestrals are, undeservedly, known as omens of misfortune and aggression by many witches because they are only visible to those who have witnessed death at least once or due to their somewhat grim, gaunt, and ghostly appearance.

Due to thestrals' classification as a dangerous beast, only experienced witches should attempt to handle them. Breeding, as well as owning, these beasts is discouraged. In fact, witches that live in areas not protected against non-magical people are forced by law to perform Disillusionment Charms on their thestrals regularly.

Appearance
Thestrals have quite a disturbing appearance and the witches who are capable of seeing them often only describe these creatures as being sinister and spooky. This is because they are seen as having big, bony figures and their dragon-like faces which bear white, glittering eyes that lack both expression and pupils. Additionally, they are lured by the scent of blood.

Being a type of winged horse, most of their anatomy is identical to that of a horse, excluding their large wings that sprout from their back. Unlike other types of winged horses, thestral wings do not possess any feathers at all; they have vast, black and leathery wings that are more similar to those of a bat.

Their fleshless, lustrous bodies are covered with a translucent and glossy coat. This smooth and dark skin is a bit slippery and so thin that thestral bones are clearly defined through the entire extension of their sleek bodies. These eerie horses have long black manes, as well as a large tail, either with flowing black hair or ending in a tuft. Another distinction is their sharp fangs used to seize and slash their prey.

Behavior
Thestrals are social creatures who live in herds and are quite intelligent. In fact, trained thestrals are smart enough to understand their riders' words when they ask to travel to a specific location.

These magical creatures can be found in dark environments, and the forest is their natural habitat. They communicate with one another through a shrill and strange shriek that resembles some sort of monstrous bird.

Thestrals appear to be loyal creatures, able to discern a friend from an enemy and offering to help humans in need of transportation. Thestrals will forcefully attack anyone or anything they see as a threat and, in the unusual case of domesticated thestrals, any enemy of their owner. Thestrals are not marks of ill omen, nor are they in any way threatening to humans, always allowing for the fright that the first sight of them tends to give the observer.

Diet
Thestrals are carnivorous animals and are attracted to the smell of blood. They often attack birds which indicates that, naturally, they hunt not only for food in the ground but also pursue flying prey.