269 



NOCTUA, generic characters. Bill much curved 

 from the base, cere short, nostrils oval, fascial 

 disk almost complete, slightly imperfect above 

 the eyes ; feathers composing it large ; conchal 

 opening large, operculum oval, narrow, but 

 running along its whole upper edge. Wings 

 with the quills ample, rounded ; third and 

 fourth equal and longest ; inner webs of the 

 first and second notched ; tail ample, nearly 

 square ; tarsi and toes completely feathered 

 with soft hairy plumes ; claws delicate to- 

 wards the tip, sharp ; general plumage full 

 and soft. 



