THE SNOWY OWL. 



KocTUA Kyctea. 



The name of Noctua, restored by M. Savigny to the 

 Little Owl, and extended by M. Cuvier to all the nearly 

 related species, is perhaps objectionable as a generic 

 appellation on account of its having been long since 

 applied by Linnaeus to designate a genus of Moths. 

 The propriety of its application to the species in ques- 

 tion is, however, too evident to admit of any hesitation 

 in adopting it. These species are principally distin- 

 guished from the other Owls by the absence of tufts 

 on their head ; the small size of their ears ; and the 

 diminished extent of the disks of feathers surrounding 

 their eyes. 



One of the most remarkable species of this group is 

 the Snowv Owl. It derives its name from the snowy 

 whiteness of its plumage, which h only interrupted on 



