NOCTURNAL BIRDS OF PREY. 



417 



wards at will. Their wings are not strong, and the 

 wing-feathers have soft barbs, covered with a sort of 

 down. These birds are often designated under the 

 collective name of 



The Owls (Strix). They are bhnded by broad day, and only see 

 well in the twilight or at night when it is not very dark, the time 

 they choose for hunting ; and as their silky feathers enable them to 

 fly without noise, it is then very easy for them to pounce upon birds 



Fig. 344.— barn owl. 



and small quadrupeds. There are some species that pursue their 

 prey in tjie day-time ; but during this period they generally retire 

 into hollow trees or rents in walls ; sometimes they lie flat upon the 

 branches of trees, and then all the little birds of which they are the 

 terror by twilight, come out to insult them. During the night they 

 often utter plaintive cries, regarded by the vulgar as unfortunate 

 omens. In reality, these birds are more useful than injurious, on 

 account of the number of small rats and mice that they destroy. 

 Doubtless their large head and their habitual tranquillity obtained for 

 them the reputation for wisdom, which they enjoyed among the 

 ancients. 



