Little owl

Owls may be the most famous non-magical creature in the supernatural world. These birds were protected in ancient Greece and lived in the Acropolis. Seen as a protector, if an owl flew over Greek soldiers before a battle, this was a good omen. The owl was sacred to Athena, goddess of the night and wisdom. She was often portrayed with an owl on her shoulder.

To the Romans they were believed to be bringers of death, but also associated with the goddess Minerva. Minerva was goddess of music, poetry, wisdom and crafts. Like Athena, she was often shown with her sacred owl at her side. To hear an owl hoot could signal your end, as the call of a little owl (Athene noctua) was thought to have been heard before the murder of Julius Caesar, and the deaths of Agrippa and Emperor Augustus.

The owl's silent eerie flight, creepy cry, hunting skills and association with the night made it a natural fit as a witch's companion.