AVES 



423 



point. As a rule they do not take long flights. They nest on 

 or close to the ground and they get their food there. They are 

 less highly organized nervously than many birds, and more 

 readily tamed. Their habits of life furthermore fit them for 

 domestication. They have large broods, and in early life these 



Fig. 222. 



Fig, 



222. Skull of Owl (Slrix varia varia). After Sliufeldt. photographed from specimens. 

 Upper figure bisected, showing brain-case; the lower from a dorsal aspect. 



Questions on the figure. — Is the owl a bird of prey? What is the position of 

 the eyes in relation to the skull? Of the nares? Compare these figures with the 

 head of the owl (Fig. 220), and with the skulls in Fig. 219. 



follow the mother bird closely. This instinct may linger into 

 adult life and families often remain together in "coveys" 

 throughout the first year, or even longer. Thus large flocks may 

 be formed. Their secretive instincts, their protective markings, 

 and their edible flesh make them "game" birds of first quality. 



