148 STR1GID.E. 



RAPTORES. STRIGIDJE. 



PLATE XXX. 



TENGMALM'S OWL. 



Noctua Tengmalmi. (Selby.) 



The adult Tengmalm's Owl has frequently been taken 

 for the Little Owl of the preceding plate, in consequence 

 of the resemblance in their colouring ; but, if compared 

 together, the more slender form of the present, and the 

 longer wing and tail feathers, as well as the woolly feet 

 of Tengmalm's Owl, show the difference at a single glance. 

 The present species measures more in length and expanse, 

 but its body is actually smaller than that of the Little 

 Owl. Its length is from ten to ten and a half inches, and 

 its expanse twenty-three ; the rounded tail is four inches 

 long, and the wing-feathers reach to within one inch of the 

 extremity when closed. The feathers of the wings are 

 broader and softer than those of the Little Owl ; the third 

 quill is the longest, and the two outer ones are serrated. 

 The outer ear-covering is so very large that, when turned 

 over, half the eyeball may be seen within the head. 



The beak is pale yellow, much hooked, and measures 

 one inch in the arc ; the cere, as well as the sides of the 

 beak, are in some specimens dashed with black ; the iris 

 is lemon-yellow. The legs and feet are covered with downy 

 feathers, and the sharp black claws project out without the 

 toes appearing, although the yellow soles of the feet may 

 be perceived ; on raising the feathering there may be seen 



