G4 



VEUTEBRATA. 







r 







THE GREAT AMEKICAN HORNED OWLS. 



THE STRIGIDiE OE OWLS. 



The two preceding families of Falcons and Vultures are generally active during tlie day, and 

 hence are called Diurnal Birds of Prey. We now come to the Owls, which reverse this system, 

 and, sleeping by day and entering upon the duties and pleasures of life by night, are called Nocturnal 

 Birds of Prey. In all ages and countries they seem to have made a powerful impression on the 

 human imagination, usually of a gloomy and territic nature. Seldom seen except as dim and 



