The Tawny Owl. 



77 



rounded as it were by a disk of bristly feathers, 

 which gives the bird's face a very solemn and 

 staring appearance. The bill, which is surrounded 

 with bristles, is large and powerful. The upper 

 mandible is longer than the lower, and being curved 



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FIG. 16. 



Foot of Tawny Owl. 

 From nature. Natural size. 



downwards at the end, it forms an excellent hook, 

 with which the bird tears and carries its prey. The 

 legs of the Tawny Owl are covered with short white 

 feathers, and the feet have four toes, two pointing 

 backwards and two forwards. (Fig. 1 6.) These are 



