The Strix, plural being striges or strixes, was a bird of ill omen fed on the flesh and blood of humans from Greco-Roman Mythology. The strix is described as a large-headed bird with transfixed eyes, rapacious beak, greyish white wings, and hooked claws. Elsewhere, it is described as being dark-colored. Its name is Greek in origin and means "owl," and the appearance and calls of owls inspired ancient ideas of owls as blood-drinking birds.