The bird does have a magical aura.
"Oh, He probably has the type of familiar relationship where the familiar dies when the master expires. Thus, so long as the bird lives, we know that he is alive.
Introductions. I am brother Jean-Eric (French; zhan air ick) but my less linguistically minded friends call me Jean (gene) or Jon (John). I am a Brother of the Unified Church, my patrons being Pelor, St. Cuthburt, and Ilmater, and Ilmatar.
Your friend's quite enthusiastic recruitment for your mission has brought me into your company, but so long as you commit no evil I will aid you.@