The answer is: Ravens

Pro 30:17 - Picked out by ravens and eaten by young eagles (or vultures)

The imagery in Proverbs 30:17 is vivid and a bit shocking, which is typical when the wise sayings of the Bible want to leave a sharp impression! Here, a dire warning correlates scorn for parents with bleak consequences illustrated with birds of prey—ravens and “young eagles” or vultures munching away on eyes. It paints a dismal illustration of disrespect and consequences within familial relationships.

Diving into the symbolism of ravens further enhances the understanding. Throughout the Bible, they appear numerous times, often evoking concepts like decay and judgment, or conversely, divine provision—remember how God gave Elijah bread and meat through ravens in 1 Kings 17? Those leathery-feathered creatures are something of a paradox, embodying both the grim and the generous, hinting at the complexity of aspects like sustenance and the harsh reality of life.

Interestingly, there's a connection here with broader cultural references about responsibility to family. Many ancient cultures placed much weight on respecting parents; it wasn’t merely a commandment but woven into the social fabric. For instance, the infamous Greek tragedies often include themes of familial scorn leading to disastrous outcomes. It feels good to explore these narratives through a broader lens and see that whether ancient or modern, the ties related to family respect resound all across history and cultures!