SYRNIA. DAY-OWL. 



403 



Rough-legged and the Bare-legged Buzzards into one genus, 

 cannot consistently separate Strix cunicularia from Strix nyctea, 

 on the ground of some difference in the feathering of the tarsi 

 and toes. 



The birds of this genus inhabit open districts in preference 

 to such as are densely wooded. They are for the most part con- 

 fined to the arctic regions during the warmer season, and at the 

 approach of winter advance a little southward. Being adapted 

 for a residence in regions where for a great part of the year there 

 is no night, they are enabled to discover and pursue their prey 

 during the day ; in which respect they differ from most other 

 Owls. Their food consists of quadrupeds, birds, fishes, and in- 

 sects. They nestle in rocks, on trees, or on the ground. Of 

 the two species which have been met with in Britain, neither 

 is permanently resident. Another has been procured at some 

 distance from the coast. 



The accompanying figure shews the conch of the Snowy Owl, 

 of the natural size. The shafts only of its marginal feathers 

 have been represented. 



Fig. 238. 



