Athene cunicularia

Status: Threatened and decreasing population due to disappearing habitat

The Stikini are found in the lore of the Seminole tribes of Florida. They are shapeshifter witches who look no different from the Seminole people they live amongst, but under the cloak of the night sky and under the light of the moon, they discard that mask of humanity. Deep in the woods, they manifest into their true nature as an owl-creature by expelling their souls, organs and blood and transforming into a winged nocturnal monster that feeds on human hearts. Among some, it is dangerous to even speak the name aloud, for it attracts the attention of the Stikini and the speaker is at risk of becoming one. Only powerful medicine people can speak their name.