BUBONIDA: HORNED AND HOOT OWLS 
Owls have soft, thick plumage, of peculiar structure rendering their 
flight noiseless; they have large heads, which they can turn in 
every direction without moving the body, and wide, staring eyes 
with enormous pupils. They feed on insects, birds and small mam- 
mals, swallowing their food whole and throwing up in small pellets 
the indigestible parts. They are early breeders, some species 
beginning to nest in February. Their weird cries, silent motions, 
wise faces and ear-tufts have given them a superstitious character. 
In Europe they are called the Dooms-day Birds. 
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