CHAPTER XIV 

 Owls 

 ORDER— STRIGES 



BY the older naturalists Owls were regarded as 

 near relatives of the Accipitrine birds, such as 

 Hawks and Eagles. This was because of their 

 similar beaks and claws and* their common habits in 

 feeding. It has, however, been conclusively shown 

 that Owls are very closely related to the Goatsuckers. 



These birds are spread over a very large portion of 

 the globe, being found in all the continents and many 

 of the islands. They vary greatly in size, some being 

 but a few inches in height, while others measure sev- 

 eral feet. Most species are nocturnal in habits, but 

 certain others feed by day. The plumage of Owls is 

 remarkably soft and fluffy, rendering their flight 

 practically noiseless and enabling them to pounce 

 upon their prey without giving alarm. 



The foot in most Owls is feathered to the toes; the 

 claws are remarkably long and sharply pointed and 

 the foot is used with great dexterity in seizing. The 

 outer front toe and the hind toe are placed somewhat 

 more closely together than in most other birds, but the 

 toes are not divided into pairs, two in front and two 

 behind, as in the Parrots and Cuckoos. Stiff bristles 

 project- from the toes on each side. 



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