In Greek mythology the sirens were dangerous creatures who lived on rocky islands and lured sailors to their deaths with their irresistibly enchanting songs. The sirens were depicted as birds with women’s heads or as birds with women’s heads and torsos. Web resources here and here.

Luster-painted bowl with a siren. Egypt.  Fatimid, late 10th–early 11th c. Benaki Museum, Athens, Greece.