[@RedNightHunter], the general rule is "if it is not a large predatory mammal" it is not a candidate for sentience. Birds of prey might be intellectual and clever indeed, but canonically even lesser beasts are not nearly as intelligent. While some prey items now have elevated intellect, they are still lacking behind the predators of the new world, and even those beasts are not as intelligent as any remaining human beings; you have many degrees of separation.

It all depends on how you utilize it and create it. If it is just an avian sort that follows her around because of its opportunistic nature, that is acceptable; an effective second character? Not so much an option. The idea is that the focus is on your character and where they fit into the evolving conflict.