56 BRITISH BIRDS. 



pointing downwards, and crossed with others of the 

 same : the legs are feathered down to the toes ; the 

 claws large, much hooked, and white. This species 

 is found in various parts of Europe ; it frequents 

 woods, and builds its nest in the hollows of trees. 

 The Tawny Owl and Brown Owl have by some 

 authors been described as distinct species ; but 

 others seem to agree in considering them identical, 

 the differences arising merely from age and sex. 



