CHAPTER XV 



THE OWLS 



Order— STRIGES 



By the older naturalists the Owls were regarded as near relatives 

 of the Accipitrine birds — such as Hawks and Eagles. And this 

 because of the similar beak and claws and methods of feeding, which 

 all possess in common. 



We know now, however, that this resemblance is misleading, 

 and has been brought about by the pursuit of similar habits — preying 

 on other live animals. The Owls, it has been conclusively shown, 

 are really very closely related to the Nightjars. 



Owls are remarkable for the peculiar softness of their plumage, 

 which gives them an absolutely noiseless flight, whereby they are 

 enabled, in the gloaming of the falling night, to approach their prey 

 without giving the alarm. This prey consists mainly of mice and 

 rats, varied occasionally by large beetles. Some species catch fish ! 



The Great Eagle Owl (Plate XX. fig. i) is a bird occasionally 

 met with in Great Britain. It is a remarkably handsome species. 



Fig. 14. -Foot of an Owl showing the feather =clad toes. 



and has the toes feathered quite down to the claws. Most Owls, 

 indeed, have the feet so clothed. 



The Snowy Owl (Plate XX. fig. 5) also occurs as a straggler in 

 Great Britain, but is really a native of the Arctic regions, both of 



