OWLS. 



343 



Genus III. STllIX. SCREECH-OWL. 



Conch of the ear extending from the base of the lower 

 mandible to over the eye, narrow, not depressed, edged 

 with very slender feathers, and having anteriorly an ele- 

 vated, somewhat semicircular, abruptly cut, operculum, 

 extending along half its length. The aperture of the 

 meatus is very large, subrectangular, oblique, with an 

 upper and a lower somewhat elevated margin, and si- 

 tuated about the middle of the operculum. The bottom 

 of the concha is an elevated flap of skin. Facial disks 

 very large and complete. Ruff conspicuous and com- 

 plete. Bill short, moderately stout, its upper outline 

 straight to the end of the cere ; nostrils subovate. Wings 

 rather sharp, the second quill longest, but scarcely long- 

 er than the first. Claw of third toe serrate, which is not 

 ihe case with any other British owl. P. 382. 



EAR OF STRIX FLAMMEA. 



1. Strix fiammea. Common Screech- Owl j or Barn OwL — 

 Upper parts light reddish-yellow,, variegated with ash-grey, 

 and small black and white spots ; lower parts white, with 

 small dusky spots. P. 388. 



