In the Hispanic folklore, Lechusa or la Chusa is a winged female figure resembling an owl that takes people's souls away when they going to die.
Etymology
Lechuza is the spanish word for Owl.
Description
It is said that most of these lechusas are witches with the head of a woman and the body of an owl with huge wings.
Powers
If you whistle, and La Chusa returns the call, according to the myth death is near. You would know she was near from the sounds of her huge wings beating on a nearby window. If La Chusa could be captured and see the sun rise she would evolve into a beautiful young woman.
In some parts of Mexico it is said they capture these birds with green vines and in the morning they transform back into women only to be burned at the stake. This is said only to happen in small remote town.