EAGLE-OWL. 425 



very broad, rounded. Tail of moderate length, broad, 

 rounded, of twelve rounded decurved feathers. 



The above characters are taken from three species, 

 Bubo maximus, B. virginianus, and B. bengalensis, ex- 

 cepting those referring to the intestinal canal, which 

 liave been furnished exclusively by the first species. 

 The birds of this genus differ greatly in appearance 

 from those of the genus Ulula, their head, although 

 equally furnished with tufts, being larger and much 

 broader, especially at its fore part. The size and form 

 of the ear and bill are also different. In fact, they are 

 more allied to some of the Syrniee and Alucones than 

 to the Ululae. They are all birds of large size, and 

 seem among the owls generally to be analogous to the 

 eagles in the Falconine family. The bill of the great 

 eagle-owl is very similar in form to that of the osprey, 

 and its feet recal those of the golden eagle. One species, 

 the largest of the genus, may be considered entitled to 

 rank as a British bird. My description of this bird 

 is taken from a splendid specimen presented to me 

 alive, expressly for the purpose, by my genetous friend 

 Mr Audubon, the American ornithologist. 



