MOTTLED OWL. 173 
bars. The tail, which consists of twelve feathers, has the two 
central ones slightly the longest, and the outer one on each 
side the shortest; on each are eight pale yellow transverse 
bars, the ends of all these feathers round. The upper tail 
coverts on their lower portions have a_chocolate-coloured 
central stripe, while the upper portions are a mottled brown. 
The legs are covered with hairy feathers, having a pale yellow 
ground with a mottled brown surface; toes partly scutellated, 
the remainder covered with hairy feathers; claws, very much 
eurved, and of a dark horn-colour. The three lobes under 
each toe are prominently deep, and of a sharp wedge shape. 
The above description is compiled from particulars which 
Dr. Hobson has been so obliging as to favour me with, 
