Owl

The owl is the bird of wisdom (cf. Athena). Owls can see in the dark, so they can see what others cannot; hence the idea that they are all seeing.
The owl is also the bird of darkness and death. As a symbol it can also represent magic, solitude and badness.

Common meanings:

Wisdom and Knowledge: The most widespread association links owls to wisdom, learning, and intellectual pursuits. This stems from the owl's connection to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, making it a common symbol for schools, libraries, and scholarly endeavors.

Mystery and the Occult: Owls' nocturnal nature and silent flight have long associated them with hidden knowledge, magic, and the supernatural. They appear frequently in mystical traditions as guardians of secret wisdom or messengers between worlds.

Death and Transition: Many cultures view owls as omens of death or guides for souls transitioning to the afterlife. Their haunting calls and night-time activity reinforce this connection to mortality and the unknown.

Intuition and Inner Sight: The owl's exceptional night vision symbolizes the ability to see what others cannot - representing intuition, psychic abilities, and seeing through deception or illusion.

Solitude and Independence As largely solitary creatures, owls can represent self-reliance, introspection, and the wisdom gained through quiet contemplation.

Protection and Vigilance Their role as skilled hunters and their alert, watchful nature make owls symbols of guardianship and protective oversight.

Cultural Variations: While Western cultures generally view owls positively, some Native American tribes see them as harbingers of misfortune, and certain African and Asian cultures associate them with witchcraft or bad luck.

Feminine Wisdom: In goddess-centered spirituality, owls often represent the wise woman archetype and the deep, intuitive knowledge traditionally associated with feminine wisdom.

The owl's symbolism typically centers on the tension between light and dark, known and unknown, making it a powerful representation of navigating life's mysteries.