143 



Genus VI.— BUBO, Cuvier. HORNED-OWL. 



Bill short, stout, broader than high at the base, compressed toward the 

 end; upper mandible with its dorsal line curved from the base, the edges 

 with a slight festoon, the tip trigonal, very acute; lower mandible with the 

 dorsal line convex, the tip obliquely truncate. Nostrils broadly elliptical, 

 aperture of ear elliptical, less than half the height of the head, without oper- 

 culum. Feet of ordinary length; tarsi and toes feathered. Plumage full and 

 very soft; facial disks complete; a tuft of elongated feathers on each side of 

 the crown of the head. Wings ample, the first quill short, the fourth longest. 

 Tail of ordinary length, rounded. 



THE GREAT HORNED OWL. 



-/-Btibo virginianus, Gmel. 



PLATE XXXIX.— Male and Female. 



It is during the placid serenity of a beautiful summer night, when the 

 current of the waters moves silently along, reflecting from its smooth surface 

 the silver radiance of the moon, and when all else of animated nature seems 

 sunk in repose, that the Great Horned Owl, one of the Nimrods of the 

 feathered tribes of our forests, may be seen sailing silently and yet rapidly 

 on, intent on the destruction of the objects destined to form his food. The 

 lone steersman of the descending boat observes the nocturnal hunter, gliding 

 on extended pinions across the river, sailing over one hill and then another, 

 or suddenly sweeping downwards, and again rising in the air like a moving 

 shadow, now distinctly seen, and again mingling with the sombre shades of 

 the surrounding woods, fading into obscurity. The bark has now floated to 

 some distance, and is opposite the newly cleared patch of ground, the result 

 of a squatter's first attempt at cultivation, in a place lately shaded by the 

 trees of the forest. The moon shines brightly on his hut, his slight fence, 

 the newly planted orchard, and a tree, which, spared by the axe, serves as a 

 roosting-place for the scanty stock of poultry which the new comer has pro- 

 cured from some liberal neighbour. Amongst them rests a Turkey-hen, 

 covering her offspring with extended wings. The Great Owl, with eyes 

 keen as those of any falcon, is now seen hovering above the place. He has 



