BIRDS. 



525 



of night until, driven to distraction, the owl seeks refuge m flight ; but in 

 va i n — the angry mob follows him sometimes for miles before they are 

 satisfied. 



At night the owl has its revenge. Wonderful plumage it has ; so soft 

 and fluffy that even in its most rapid flight it makes not the slightest 

 noise. Then the large eyes see to perfection, and not a twig is stirred 



Fig. 433. — Barn-owl (Aluco flammeus). 



even in the densest underbrush while the bird is seeking its prey. If then 

 it chance to run across one of its persecutors of twelve hours before, beak 

 and talons make short work. 



The barn-owl figured is found in the temperate parts of the world ; 

 Europe, North and South America, India, and Australia, all containing 

 forms of this cosmopolitan species. With us it is abundant in the southern 



