Sirens of Greek Myth Were Bird-Women, not Mermaids ... Homer doesn’t describe the Sirens’ physical appearance in his epic poem, Wilson [Professor Emily Wilson, University of Pennsylvania classicist] says. But in ceramic paintings and tomb sculptures from the time of writing, and centuries after, Sirens were usually depicted with taloned feet, feathered wings, and a beautiful human face. (Early Sirens were occasionally depicted with beards, but this trope didn’t stick.) The bird-body of the Siren is significant to Wilson: In the eyes of traditional peoples all across Europe, birds were often graced with an otherworldliness associated with gods, spirits, and omens. Asher Elbein April 06, 2018 Audubon, Journal of The National Audubon Society