Owl

The owl is a nocturnal bird of prey, known for its silent flight, distinctive "whooo" call, and large, front-set eyes.

In medieval bestiaries and literature, the owl is often given an unkind treatment, associated with darkness, ruins, and graves.

From Chaucer, The Squire's Tale:

In which were painted all these false fowls,

As be these tidifes, tercelets, and owls;

Owls get a more fair treatment in later period. From a 17th century drinking song that is also a popular SCA madrigal:

Of all the birds that ever I see,

The owl is the fairest in her degree.

For all the day long she sits in a tree,

And when the night comes away flies she.

External links

• http://bestiary.ca/beasts/beast245.htm
• http://www.abdn.ac.uk/bestiary/comment/35vbirdf.hti