MOTTLED OWL. 173 



bars. The tail, which consists of twelve feathers, has the two 

 central ones slightly the longest, and the outer one on each 

 side the shortest; on each are eight pale yellow transverse 

 bars, the ends of all these feathers round. The upper tail 

 coverts on their lower portions -have a chocolate-coloured 

 central stripe, while the upper portions are a mottled brown. 

 The legs are covered with hairy feathers, having a pale yellow 

 ground with a mottled brown surface; toes partly scutellated, 

 the remainder covered with hairy feathers; claws, very much 

 curved, and of a dark horn-colour. The three lobes under 

 each toe are prominently deep, and of a sharp wedge shape. 

 The above description is compiled from particulars which 

 Dr. Hobson has been so obliging as to favour me with. 



