Bowtruckles are small magical creatures that live in trees of wand wood quality. A group of Bowtruckles are called a "Branch". While generally peaceful, they would fiercely defend their tree and home, only accepting offerings of food like woodlice or fairy eggs if someone wanted to take leaves or wood from their tree.

Their appearance was similar to that of a small stick figure, hand-sized, with two long, sharp fingers on each hand. This allowed them to blend in with their habitat, but also to claw at any would-be attackers. Their long fingers are designed to dig woodlice out of trees, but also proved to be excellent at lock-picking.

Howarts had a Bowtruckle Island in the Great Lake, frequented by Newt Scamander as a student. He also had a branch of Bowtruckles in his suitcase, named Pickett, Titus, Finn, Poppy, and Marlow.