BIRDS 



165 



Jackass {Dacelo gigantea) (fig. 113) of Australia and New Guinea 

 may be taken. Here the beak is broader and stronger, and the 

 tail is longer than in fish-eating forms. 



Order 3.— Owls {Singes) 



Here are included birds of prey, which are mostly nocturnal, 

 and of characteristic appearance mainly due to the large forwardly- 

 directed eyes surrounded by discs of radiating feathers. The 

 four toes of the strong 

 feet are all provided 

 Tvith sharp claws, and 

 the fourth toe is re- 

 versible, being turned 

 forwards or back- 

 wards at will. In 

 flight these birds are 

 peculiarly noiseless, 

 their plumage being 

 extremely soft. The 

 young are helpless. 

 Owls are universally 

 ■distributed, and in all 

 countries are regarded 

 with awe by the super- 

 stitious, which is no 

 doubt the result of 

 their peculiar appear- 

 ance and habits, ag- 

 gravated by a most 

 unearthly voice. 



The most familiar British form is undoubtedly the Barn-Owl 

 {Strix flammed), which is almost as universally distributed as 

 the order to which it belongs. Other well-known native forms 

 are the Tawny or Wood-Owl [Syrnium aluco), the "hoot" of 

 which is a familiar country sound, the Long-eared Owl [Asia 

 ctus), and the Short-eared Owl {Asio accipitrinus). The " ears " 

 of the last two kinds are tufts of feathers on the top of the head. 

 The large Snowy Owl {Nyctea Scandiaca) regularly visits North 

 Scotland during the winter. 



Fig. 113. — Laughing Jackass {Dacelo gigantea) 



