86 THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



ticated both at the Cape and elsewhere, in order 

 to obtain its plumes regularly. No distinct breeds, 

 however, have as yet been formed. 

 Distribution and Species. — Africa and Arabia, in 

 open sandy tracts. Several local forms are de- 

 scribed, but it is doubtful if the differences are of 

 specific importance. The typical Struthio camelus 

 is the North African race. 



Owls [StrigidcB). 



Diagnosis. — Perching birds, with short hooked hill and 

 bristled or feathered toes not united by webs at the 

 base ; the fourth toe with a backward inclination. 



Size. — From that of a sparrow to that of a hen turkey. 



Form. — Bill short, strong, hooked, with a cere at 

 base, corner of mouth extending to below eye ; 

 face broad, covered with bristly feathers, which 

 usually conceal the base of the bill, and usually 

 surrounded by a frill or ruff of small stiff feathers ; 

 feet strong, with medium or short shanks, usually 

 feathered, with four toes, all powerfully clawed, 

 the hind-toe smallest, the fourth or outer front 

 one always turned rather back, especially in 

 perching ; wi^igs short to very long, rounded ; 

 tail medium or short ; head large, in many species 

 furnished with two crests, the so-called " horns " 

 or " ears " ; body light. 



Plumage. — Very soft, sombre in colour, usually grey 

 or brown, often finely variegated. No sexual 

 difference, and seldom a distinct young plumage ; 

 but the hens are usually larger, and there is much 

 individual variation, many species showing light 

 and dark, or grey and reddish, forms. 



Young. — Helpless and fed by parents, clad in very 



