146 



OWLS. 



wooded districts. The genus of which this owl is the best known representative 

 includes comparatively large species, distinguished from Nyctala by the ears and 

 their tubes being symmetrical, while the toes may be either feathered or bare. 

 All of the species frequent woods and groves, where hollow trees are abundant, 

 and the whole of them are strictly nocturnal in their habits. Their flight is 

 soft and noiseless, and their food, in addition to small birds and mammals, may 



THE TAWNY OWL (^ nat. size). 



include frogs and fish. They breed early ; and while some of the species select 

 woods as their nesting-places, others prefer old buildings. Nearly thirty members 

 of the genus are recognised, whose range embraces the whole world, with the 

 exception of Madagascar, certain of the Malay Islands, Australia, and Oceania. 



The tawny brown, or wood-owl, as it is indifferently called 

 (Syrnium aluco), belongs to an extensive group of the genus, 

 characterised by the crown of the head being either barred or mottled, and the 

 completely feathered toes. It is by no means one of the largest representatives of 



Tawny Owl. 



