OWLS. 25 



flap (operculum). The beak is lengthened and 

 curved only towards the point. The tarsi (or 

 that part of the foot which is raised, commonly, 

 but erroneously, called the leg) are rather long, 

 and feathered ; the toes are clothed with hairs. 



The Owls of this genus are eminently noctur- 

 nal ; their enormous facial disks, and great black 

 eyes with dilated pupils, give them a very pecu- 

 liar appearance ; their colours are generally white 

 and pale buff, marked and speckled with bluish- 

 grey. Their voices are loud and discordant. 



SCREECH OWL. 



The Screech Owl (Strix flammed, LINN.), called 

 also the Barn Owl, is common throughout the 



