Owls were a nocturnal bird of prey, noted for their ability to see in darkness and incredibly quiet movement. They were characterized by their large, round eyes set in flat faces, which enabled them to see clearly in low light and detect movement with exceptional precision. Their feathers ranged in color from mottled browns and grays to vibrant whites or oranges, providing camouflage against tree bark or snowy landscapes.
Owls nested in hollow trees, abandoned ruins, or high cliff ledges, where they raised their young and maintained solitary or monogamous lifestyles. They communicated through hoots, calls, and wing beats, signaling territorial boundaries or attracting mates during the breeding season.
When flying, owls made very little noise at all, which when combined with their excellent hearing and ability to rotate their head, made them capable ambush predators of small rodents or other birds. These same qualities meant they were very reliable animals to employed as Familiars by Spellcasters. Many cultures saw owls as symbols of wisdom, stealth, and intelligence.