230 VERTEBRATES. 



thick loose plumage is so deceptive, that no one unacquainted with 

 the structure of the bird would imagine that it is hardly so large 

 as a pigeon. The head, too, when deprived of ite feathery cover- 

 ing, completely loses its previous aspect, being long and narrow, 

 like that of a hawk. In fact, few creatures look more contemptible 

 than an owl stripped of its feathers. 



The Short-crested Owl is also called the Egyptian 

 Owl, because it prevails in Egypt as well as in other parts of 

 Africa. It is one-fourth longer than the common species, and 

 like it, yellow, dotted with brown, and vermiculated, that is, 

 adorned with a variety of beautiful colors on the back The 

 belly is striped across with narrow lines, and the crests very 

 short. This bird is not only met with in Egypt, but also in Asia 

 Minor and in Persia. Pennant, who is a great authority, tells 

 ns, that it is found in all the central countries of Enrope, and 

 also in Scotland. It feeds on moles, rats, mice, bats, on smaU 

 birds, and insecta. 



