The Augurey
Ministry classification: XX

The Augurey, often called `Irish phoenix` is a thin and mournful looking bird. With its greenish black feathers and a sharp beak it resembles a small, badly-fed vulture. Augureys can be found in Britain and Ireland, but sometimes in other areas of Northern Europe. The Augurey's diet consists of bigger insects and fairies. He builds it's nest in thorns and brambles, it is shaped like a tear. Augureys fly only at heavy rain, else they hide at their nest.

Earlier wizards thought the mournful Augureys cries would foretell death and avoided their nests as good as possible. It is possible some wizards dropped dead of heart attack when they were frightened by the scream surprisingly. Researchs have determined Augureys cry only when it is about to rain. When this became known, people started to keep Augureys as a weather forecaster. Their feathers repel ink, making them useless for writing with.