The phoenix is described as eagle or raptor like with the addition of a crest upon their heads.  It is usually depicted as either being on fire, made of fire, or flame colored, only emitting sparks. 

This spiritual bird is usually associated with omens that mean something evil or important is about to happen.  The phoenix now symbolizes the cycle of death and rebirth and is said to consume its self with it’s own flames every hundred years, only to be born again.

Another story is that to eat a cherry given to you by a Phoenix gives you the ability to speak to any animal you come into contact with. v