i68 



OWLS. 



scanty, the last joint and sometimes the whole toe being bare. This species attains 

 a length of 20 inches, and is confined to India. Its habits appear to be very similar 

 to those of the other species, the nesting-season being from February to April, and 

 the eggs usually laid on a shelf of rock near water, although occasionally in a hole 

 in the ground. That the eagle-owls are an old group is proved by the occurrence 

 of remains of extinct species in the Lower Miocene Tertiary of France ; those of 







INDIAN MSH-OWL (i Hat. Size). 



the existing European species occurring in the Pleistocene deposits of Norfolk. 

 The metatarsus may be distinguished from that of the snowy owl by its longei* 

 and more slender form. 



The fish-owls of the Oriental region and Africa form a group 

 distinguished from all other members of the order by the under 

 surface of the toes being covered with a number of small spicules, thus presenting- 

 an admirable holding surface. In most cases the metatarsus is naked. These owls 

 are divided into two genera, one of which (Cetufta) is confined to Palestine, 



Fish-Owls. 



