ACCIPITRES 237 



But neither cats nor owls could see in the dark: that is to 

 say if it were actually dark. No night, however, is ever perfectly 

 dark, and most nights, but not all, are sufficiently light for owls to 

 see their prey. 



Like the other Raptores or " seizers '' the owl catches its prey 

 in its talons, and probably with one squeeze ends its little life. 

 But it does not, as most of that group of birds do, tear the mouse 

 or small bird to pieces in eating it, it swallows it whole, and as it 

 cannot digest the bones and fur or feathers, these are expelled 

 again through the mouth in the form of balls or pellets. As many 

 of these balls as would fill a bushel measure have been found 

 near the dwelling-place of a pair of owls. 



The owl is the only British bird that feeds at night. But 

 inasmuch as it kills mice and other small animals, and even young 

 rats, it is particularly useful to farmers, who encourage its residence 

 in or near their farms. 



Even the barn-owl can be brave on occasion. It will defend 

 itself from the attacks of a much larger animal than itself. In its 

 defence it throws itself on to its back, and fights with its talons. 

 A poor dog, which was merely inquisitive in approaching an owl, 

 lost both its eyes before it could realize that there was any danger 

 in the talons of such a creature. 



The owl makes no real nest, but lays and hatches its eggs 

 in a hollow tree or in some hole in a barn roof, where it will 

 remain all day, and will arouse itself to action when all the other 

 birds have retired for the night. 



ACCIPITRES 



While the great group of Owls may be described as the noc- 

 turnal or night birds of prey, the greater tribe of Falcons, Hawks, 

 Kites, Buzzards, Eagles, and Vultures may be designated the diurnal 

 or day birds of prey. 



This great group is known by the name of Accipitres. 



