130 STRIGID^E. 



alike ; they may vary in different specimens from being more 

 numerous -to less so, paler or more distinct, but they retain 

 the same character and expression. The young females of 

 the Tawny Owl have a peculiar appearance, in consequence 

 of the tinge of rufous with which they seem to be dyed. 

 Their face partakes of the same colouring, except about the 

 region of the beak, which is beset with mixed black and white 

 bristling feathers. This rufous colour extends over all the 

 upper parts, and the dusky markings are more distinct. On 

 the lower part of the breast the shaft streaks are more sim- 

 plified, and only now and then branch out on the sides into 

 cross bars. There are hardly any bars to be seen on the tail, 

 and those of the wings are narrower than in adult birds. 



By comparing a number of specimens it may be seen that 

 the fox-coloured birds are young females ; the reddish brown, 

 young males ; the reddish grey, old females ; and the pale 

 grey, adult males. 



The Tawny Owl is plentiful all over Europe, the north 

 of Asia, and probably in North America ; wherever there are 

 trees and forests : whether the country is flat or hilly is 

 indifferent. During the summer months these birds remain 

 in the thickest parts of the woods ; in autumn and spring 

 they frequent copse and young plantations ; and in the winter 

 large orchards about villages. 



While the leaves remain on the trees they perch on the 

 branches among the thickest foliage during the day-time, 

 which they pass usually in sleep ; during the winter season 

 they hide themselves in holes of trees or rocks, or in old 

 buildings. 



It is difficult to imagine how the owl can have become 

 associated with the idea of wisdom, and dedicated to the 

 goddess of that attribute, unless in mockery, or to show how 

 short a step there is between the sublime and the ridiculous. 



The feathering of this Owl stands generally at right angles 

 from the body ; its thick head seems to be only stuck on 

 the shoulders, as it turns it from side to side with so much 



