BIRDS. 



Suborder STRIGES. 



Outer toe reversible; eyes directed forwards and encircled 

 by a facial disk ; nostrils generally hidden by stiff bristles ; 

 plumage soft and fluffy ; tibia more than double the length 

 of tarsus. 



Cf. Ridgway, B. N. Am. iii. pp. 5, 6 ; Sundev. Av. Meth. Teut. 

 p. 103. 



Synopsis of Families. 



a. Hinder margin of sternum with two or more 



distinct fissures or clefts ; furcula free, not 

 attached to keel of sternum ; inner margin 

 of claw on middle toe not serrated ; middle 

 toe always longer than the inner one .... Buhonidae, p. 1. 



b. Hinder margin of sternum entire, with an 



emargination but no distinct cleft ; furcula 

 joined to keel of sternum ; inner margin of 

 claw on middle toe serrated ; inner and 

 middle toes about equal in length Strigidae, p. 289. 



Family BUBONID^. 



Hinder margin of sternum always deeply cleft, two or more 

 notches being present ; furcula free ; inner margin of middle claw 

 not serrated ; middle toe always longer than the inner one. 



