In Greek mythology, Athena was associated with the owl as her sacred bird.
The owl represented wisdom and clear sight, qualities strongly connected with Athena's roles as goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and crafts. Ancient Greek art often depicts an owl beside Athena or uses the bird as a visual shorthand for her presence.
The small owl, especially the species later known as Athene noctua, became strongly associated with Athens. Coins of ancient Athens frequently showed Athena's head on one side and an owl on the other, often with an olive branch and the inscription identifying the city.
The owl should not be confused with Athena's other major symbol, the aegis, a protective garment or shield. Athena also shared the olive tree as an important emblem. Her bird symbol expresses thoughtful intelligence rather than the brute force associated with some other war deities.