The correct spelling for an underworld bird or bird-man creature. The
name sounds like "Car(e)-u(long)".

It sounds like you're describing "Karura," also known as "Garuda," a
mythical bird-man creature.

From the web site, "Aurorean: Anime Myth and Symbolism":
"Karura is the Japanese name for Garuda (man-bird deity of
Hindu-Buddhist myth). In Buddhism, Garuda is a golden-bodied bird.
Garuda's body is human, while his wings and beak are of an eagle. He
can block the sun with his size and is thought to be oldest of the
birds. He has been called the "Bird of Life", and the Celestial Eagle.
He is also the gods' messenger. The flapping of his wings was the
sound of a clap of thunder. In RG Veda, Karura is a queen and one of
the six stars traveling with Ashura. Garuda is her bird."
http://www.geocities.com/mnemosynehime/series3/rg_veda.html

From a web page enititled, "Mythology of the Phoenix," by Boadicea:
"In the Hindu and Buddhist culture, the phoenix is called Garuda, or
Karura in Japan (see lyrics of "You Are Phoenix"). Garuda in some
legends has an eagle's beak and wings, and a human body, with a white
face, scarlet wings and a golden body. In others, especially in Japan,
he is an enormous fire-breathing eagle with golden feathers and magic
gems crowning its head. Garuda is the mount or avatar (earthly
embodiment) of the god Vishnu (Hindu tradition), and is one of the
supreme seers of infinite consciousness."
http://www.boadicea.net/saintseiya/ikki/mythology.htm

Search strategy: "mythical bird"

I hope this helps.

Interestingly, the national airline of Indonesia is called "Garuda".
The origin is the same. Curious how myths and legends in one culture
have a way of travelling to distant lands...