SMoOTH-HEADED Owts. RAPACES. STRIX. 65 
PiateE 26. Figure of the natural size. 
Bill yellowish-white. Irides gamboge-yellow ; but in the General 
young bird yellowish-brown. Face white, with the in- cea: 
ner angles and orbits of the eyes black. The circle sur- 
rounding the face blackish-brown. Crown of the head 
umber-brown, inclining to liver-brown, with white 
specks. Back and scapulars umber-brown, inclining to 
yellowish-brown ; the latter marked with lunated white 
spots. Quills dusky, barred with white. Tail brown, 
with white imperfect bars. Breast and belly white, 
dashed with brown of different shades. Legs and toes 
clothed with white downy feathers. Claws black. 
Orpver II. OMNIVOROUS. OMNIVORI, 
Temm. 
ly this order are comprised the greater part of the genera, 
that, in the extensive order Pica of authors, are distinguished 
by having feet furnished with three toes before, and one be- 
hind (pedes ambulatorn). The great dissimilarity of habits 
and manners observable in the different genera composing 
that order, as well as the essential distinction that prevails in 
their anatomical structure, rendered a new arrangement high- 
ly necessary in a scientific point of view. As that of Mon- 
sleur TEMMINCK appears to unite simplicity and compre- 
hensiveness, and is also marked by steady and well defined 
characters, I have adopted it; considering it best calculated 
to advance, at the same time that it simplifies, the study of 
this branch of natural history. 
CHARACTERS OF THE ORDER. 
Bill of mean length, strong, horny, and having its edges 
coulter-shaped. ‘The upper mandible more or less convex, 
often emarginated. Feet with three toes before, and one be- 
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