AVES 



421 



and the great condor of South America, are scavengers. The 

 owls are noted for their striking appearance and for their 

 nocturnal habits and the adaptations associated therewith. 



Fig. 220. 



Fig. 



Great horned-owl (Bitbo virgiitianus viyginiaitus). Adult female, 

 life by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. 



Photographed from 



Questions on the figure. — What are the habits of owls? Does the figure show 

 any structural adaptations to known habits? How does the standing position of 

 the owl differ from that of other birds of your acquaintance? See also Pigs. 221 

 and 222. 



There is a strong human prejudice against the group, partly 

 because some of the members attack our poultry and other 

 domestic animals. Close observation shows, however, that most 



