The ziz has the forebody of a raptor and the rear of a leonine creature, but only two rear taloned feet and none to the fore. It is huge, tall enough that it stands on the ground and its head reaches the skies. In water, it stands on the upper currents without sinking. Its eggs are so big they can crush trees. Their young leap from the nest without being reared.

The ziz can control birds. It sings songs of the heavens, and its wings, which blot out the sun, can redirect storms from the south (but only the south). It can see the future, but it does not speak to communicate it.

The ziz builds great nests in northern mountains and hunts and eats great boars.

The ziz tastes of many things, but only the pious may eat them.