EAGLE OWL. 191 
eggs are pure white, very rotund, and the shell is somewhat rough in 
texture. Their superior size prevents them being confused with those 
of any other species of European Owl. They measure from 2°55 to 
2:1 inch in length and from 2 to 1:85 inch in breadth. 
The general colour of the upper parts of the Eagle Owl is a mottled 
mixture of reddish brown and dark brown; the primaries and tail trans- 
versely barred. ‘The underparts are brown, palest on the breast, which is 
marked with longitudinal patches of dark brown, whilst the remainder of 
the under surface is marked with numerous transverse bars of dark brown. 
Beak, which is nearly hidden by feathers, black; irides bright orange ; 
claws black. The tufts on the head are composed of elongated dark brown 
feathers barred with light brown, and form two large horns erected or 
depressed at pleasure. The female bird is similar to the male, but larger 
in size, 
