114 BIRDS OF PREY. 



OWLS. (Strix. Lin.) 



In these birds the bill is short, compressed, and curved from its 

 origin ; the base surrounded by a cere, and covered wholly or in part 

 by bristly feathers. Head large and very much feathered ; the face 

 surrounded by a sort of rigid plumy collar. Nostrils lateral, com- 

 ing out upon the anterior edge of the cere, rounded, open, and con- 

 cealed by the incumbent setaceous feathers. Eyes very large, di- 

 rected forwards ; the iris brilliant. Legs and feet often covered with 

 feathers to the very nails ; the toes entirely divided to their base ; 

 the exterior toe capable of being brought round. Nails strong, sharp, 

 and very retractile (so as to secure very small prey). Wings some- 

 what pointed ; the 3 first primaries generally provided with loose 

 recurved barbs on their outer edge 5 the first primary short ; the 2d 

 not extending to the extremity of tlie 3d, which is the longest. 



§ 1. With the hill curved from the base. 



Subgenus. — Surnia. 



With the opening of the ears oval, of moderate size, and without 

 operculum or cover ; the disk round the face rather small, not very 

 distinct, and composed of slender feathers. These are somewhat 

 allied to the Hawks. 



f Head without tufts or feathers. 



Feathered to the claws ; outer webs of the primaries not recurved. 

 With the tail extending beyond the wings. The North American 

 species are nearly all diurnal. 



