Owls

Nocturnal birds of prey found in many parts of the world. One of the best known is Athene noctua, the Little Owl of Great Britain. This owl, once the companion of the all-wise goddess Athene, is noted for its wisdom and knowledge.

Owls are favoured friends of witches, wizards, sorcerers, and other practitioners of black arts. Anyone who keeps a pet owl may be regarded as some kind of magician. The silent nocturnal flight, all-seeing night vision, and supernatural wisdom of the owl family are invaluable to magic-makers, and anyone acquainted with an owl is certain to absorb some of these qualities.

Unfortunately it is not uncommon for such people to cook owls, in order to extract their essences for use in spells and potions. Elixir of owl is commonly prescribed for sleepiness, poor vision, mental incapacity, and fear of the darkness.