i66 



O IVLS. 



species found in Western Europe, the best known of all is the great eagle-owl 

 (Bubo ignavus), of which specimens are occasionally taken in Britain. This 

 splendid bird, of which the total length may reach 28 inches, belongs to a group of 

 two or three species characterised by the toes being so thickly feathered that even 



EAGLE OWL SEIZING ITS FEET 



their last joints are concealed. It has a black beak and bright orange iris ; while 

 the plumage is a beautiful blending of various shades of brown. The ear-tufts 

 include a few dark feathers, with light bars on the inner webs ; the hind-neck and 

 back are mottled dark and reddish brown, with the dark tint occupying the middle 



