260 



THE FERN-OWL. 



The Fern-Owl, or Goat-Sucker. 



In the last place, 

 its foot is doubly fitted 

 for grappling its vo- 

 latile game. We give 

 it in the annexed figure 

 of its natural size, not 

 much larger, it will 

 be seen, than that 

 of a Sparrow, though 

 the bird in size is lit- 

 tle less than a Pigeon. 

 The hind claw is re- 

 markably small, but it 

 is what is termed re- 

 versible, that is, it can turn forwards, and act in concert 

 with the other three, which must be very convenient in catch- 

 ing such nimble things as moths ; but it has another peculi- 

 arity, the middle claw, serrated or toothed very much like the 

 Heron's, and for the same purpose,that of preventing the escape 

 of quick and active prey. That this peculiarity is intended 

 for the purpose stated, may be inferred from some of the 

 largest species, in size almost equal to a Raven, being without a 

 serrated claw, and whose food has been ascertained to consist 

 of the fruit of the palm. Another use has been also assigned 

 to these toothed-claws, that of enabling them to carry off 

 their eggs, if disturbed ; some naturalists asserting that they 

 have such a power, and have been actually seen in the act of 

 flight with eggs in their claws ; but the fact has been denied 

 by others. That it is not impossible, however, even for 

 birds, without such claws, to remove their eggs, we can 

 vouch from good authority ; for a Pheasant having laid her 



eggs in a fallow-field, 

 became dissatisfied with 

 her situation, and re- 

 moved them to a less 

 frequented spot in the 

 same field, where she de- 

 Goat-Sucker's Foot. posited them in another 

 nest, which she had previously scraped together. 



