Drekavac, (literally "the screamer" or "the screecher"[1]), also called drekalo, krekavac, zdrekavac or zrikavac, is a mythical creature in South Slavic mythology.
In South Slavic mythology and folk tales this creature has been variously described: A modern description of a supposed drekavac describes it as a canine creature similar to a dog[3] or some kind of bird.
[4] The drekavac was originally thought to have come from the souls of sinful men, or from children who died unbaptised.
[2] It was popularly believed to be visible only at night, especially during the twelve days of Christmas (called unbaptised days in Serbo-Croatian) and in early spring, when other demons and mythical creatures were believed to be more active.
[2] Although the creature is mostly used in cautionary tales for children, there are also some adults who still believe in its existence.