Ho-Oh is a bird-like Pokémon that looks like a mix between a phoenix and a peacock. Its feathers are mostly gold and red, with yellow tail feathers, a white underside, and green feathers at the tips of its wings. Ho-Oh has a green stripe on its neck, a yellow beak, black rings around its red eyes, and a feathered, yellow crest on its head. The prismatic nature of its wings makes it leave a trail of rainbows in its wake. It possesses dark-colored feet and legs, each with four toes and long talons.
When Ho-Oh takes flight, its massive wings generate vibrant, colorful rainbows. Those few who are fortunate enough to see Ho-Oh are said to be granted eternal happiness. This Pokémon can obliterate its targets using an intensely mystical fire. In ancient times, both the Bell Tower in Ecruteak City and the former Bell Tower in Goldenrod City served as perches for Ho-Oh. It has the mythical ability to bring the dead back to life, as demonstrated with three unnamed Pokémon. When the Brass Tower was destroyed by fire 150 years ago, Ho-Oh descended from the heavens, reviving three unnamed Pokémon into the Legendary Beasts. It can be summoned at the Bell Tower through one of its feathers, Clear Bells, and the ceremonial dance of the Kimono Girls.
Ho-Oh is often referred to as the "guardian of the skies."
