In the first Harry Potter book Harry is given an owl as a present. In the book these owls are used as messengers, delivering mail and presents between witches and wizards. Harry's owl is a magnificent creature, a Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca for the bird watchers amongst you).

Who knows how much Hagrid paid for Harry's owl in Diagon Alley but they cost around ₤400 in other parts of London. Please don't buy one though. These magnificent creatures should be left to fly free over the northern tundras of Europe and America. They are big birds standing 60 cm (2ft) tall and hunt lemmings for food.

National Geographic has an excellent article here, or visit the World Owl Trust