254 CLASS AVES. 



In Egypt, the fountain of European learning, as well as among 

 the Roman fatalists, it was considered a bird of ill omen. In 

 Greece, indeed, it was treated as emblematical of wisdom, and 

 was therefore dedicated to Minerva. In America, New Hol- 

 land, and in the islands of the Pacific, at the present day, it 

 is both venerated and feared. 



Among the double crested, or, as we must say in conformity 

 with general usage, the eared owls. The great-eared Owl (Strix 

 Bubo) of which there are probably some varieties, stands fore- 

 most. This species, which measures two feet or more from the 

 extremity of the beak to that of the tail, is little inferior in size 

 to the common eagle, but for its specific characters we must 

 refer to the text. The tufts of feathers over the eyes, called 

 the ears, are not always erect, and are prone, especially when 

 the bird is unexcited. 



It is most extensively located, being found generally, or occa- 

 sionally, in most parts of the earth. In Europe, it is most 

 common in Germany, in Russia, and the rock of Gibraltar ; it 

 is sometimes, though rarely, seen in England and Scotland, but 

 has not been noticed in Ireland. 



This species endures the light of day better than most of 

 the others : it lives principally on the smaller rodentia, and 

 even rabbits and hares; but, when pressed by hunger, will attack 

 bats, snakes, and other reptiles and insects. Frisch, who kept 

 some of these birds, states, that he sometimes gave them fish, 

 and that they always broke the bones of fish and quadrupeds 

 before swallowing them, which, together with the hair, were re- 

 turned by the mouth in small pellets. These birds never drank ; 

 but, says M. Dumont, we are not, therefore, to conclude they 

 never drink when in a state of freedom, for many of the the di- 

 urnal accipitres endeavour to conceal themseh es when drinking. 

 The size of these birds does not hinder them from flying at a 

 considerable height during twilight, when they are frequently 

 attacked by a numerous body of crows, which they always 

 beat off. They will even attack the buzzard, and sometimes 

 carry oflf his prey. During day they fly very low. 



