28 



ME. W. P. PTCRAPT ON THE 



Tlie coracoid is long, being nearly or quite as long as the sternum ; it has a prominent 

 acrocoracoid and a large procoracoid process, broad at the base, and terminating in a 

 downwardly directed hook-shaped process articulating with the furcula. 



The coracoid of the Asionidae may be distinguished from tliat of the Strigidse in that 

 in the former the acrocoracoid affords an articular surface for the furcula, which 

 develops a corresponding articular facet by sending outwards from the distal end of each 

 limb an oval plate. This articulation between these two bones is wanting in the 

 Strigidse. 



The coracoid of the Striges bears a close resemblance to that of the Palconiformes, 

 but it may he distinguished from all, excejit the Falconidse, by the presence of the 

 procoracoid process. With the Ealconidae, however, the case is different; and it becomes 

 a matter of nice discrimination to tell the coracoid of the Palcones or Polybori from that 



s.r i] 



5X7. 



S.r 



s.r7. 



-sr7. 



Buho magellanicus. 



Bubo ccqn'nsis. 

 Synsacra showing the reduction of the vertebrae by excalation ; cf. pp. '23, 24 



Scojjs. 



of one of the Striges. The Falcons may be distinguished by the absence of a supra- 

 coracoid foramen ; but in the Polybori and Striges the foramen is present, and almost 

 identical in size and position. In the Striges, however, it will be found to lie somewhat 

 nearer the scapula. In the Striges the base of the coracoid is comparatively deeply grooved 

 to fit the dorsal lip of the groove ; whilst in the Polybori, what corresponds to the dorsal 

 lip of the groove in the Owls is represented only by a low and incomplete ridge. 



The scajmla has a swollen acromion, with that portion of its surface which forms the 

 roof of the foramen triosseum perforated by pneumatic foramina. 



The furcula is long, slender, and but slightly arched dorso-ventrally, and wants a 

 hypocleideum. 



