OWL 677 
the latter, B. ignavus,' the Duc or Grand Duc of the French, ranging 
over the whole of Europe and Asia north of the Himalayas, while the 
former, Bb. virginianus, extends over the whole of North America. 
A contrast to the generally sombre colour of these birds is shewn by 
the Snowy Owl, Nyctea scandiaca, a circumpolar species, and the only 
one of its genus, which disdains the shelter of forests and braves 
the most rigorous arctic climate, though compelled to migrate south- 
ward in winter when no sustenance is left for it. Its large size and 
white plumage, more or less mottled with black, distinguish this 
SrRIx OCCIDENTALIS. 
from every other Owl. Then may be mentioned the birds commonly 
known in English as “ Horned” Owls—the Hibous of the French, 
belonging to the genus Asio. One, A. ofus (the Otus vulgaris of 
some authors), inhabits woods, and, distinguished by its long tufts, 
usually borne erected, would seem to be common to both America 
and Europe—though experts profess their ability to distinguish 
between examples from each country. Another species, 4. 
1 This species bears confinement very well, and propagates freely therein. The 
Owls so well known as formerly kept at Arundel Castle were always referred to 
it, until Mr. Borrer (B. Sussex, Introd. p. xvii.) shewed that they belonged to the 
kindred B. virginianus. 
