Gargoyle

The dreaded gargoyles of Northrend are voracious flying creatures who revel in slaughter and mayhem. Brought from the frozen north by the armies of the Lich King, these strange, wiry flyers have rough, crystalline hides which protect them from all manner of attacks. In times of great peril, gargoyles can land and condense their hides into a stone-like surface. Though they are unable to attack in this state, they can take time to regenerate their wounds and replenish their energies.

Gargoyles were brought to Lordaeron by Arthas for the siege of Silvermoon. Now, gargoyles live in the Eastern Plaguelands. Gargoyles are not particularly intelligent and are not interested in strategies or tactics. These vicious creatures only enjoy chaos and slaughter and revel in sprays of blood and torn flesh.

Gargoyles sleep in their Stoneform.

Types
Many kinds of gargoyles can be found around Azeroth, some of the more common types include the subspecies of gargoyle represented by various groups of mobs, as well as;
 * Dire gargoyle (subspecies, possibly to differentiate from the normal gargoyle in Appendix Three)
 * There is also some gargoyles affiliated with the Twilight's Hammer and the Old Gods. It is unknown if these are related to the Scourge Gargoyles or if they have been created by Old Gods. It is possible that the Scourge took control of the gargoyles the same way as with the obsidian destroyers, making the gargoyles an aqir or titan construct/creation.
 * In Manual of Monsters Appendix Three, there are other subspecies of gargoyles: Four-Armed Gargoyle, Green Gargoyle, and Margoyle, however, the validity of the source is disputed.

Notable

 * Dreadwind
 * Gish the Unmoving
 * Stonespine
 * Shalewing
 * Kirtonos the Herald
 * Zelfrax (actually a demon)

Gargoyle (proto-golem)
Appendix Three of Manual of Monsters describes a diferent type of gargoyle which is described as formed of stone and earth and a proto-golem, however, the validity of the source is disputed. Although, it does say that they are part of the Scourge and gargoyles are known to use their Stoneform in Warcraft III and WoW.

Myth
In contemporary fiction, Gargoyles are typically depicted as a (generally) winged humanoid race with demonic features: generally horns, a tail, and talons. The term technically refers to any stone carving used as a waterspout, and not a specific creature at all.