314 ZOOLOGY. 
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the size of the common bluebird, and preys almost entirely upon insects. 
The most remarkable species of North America, and one of the most 
curious birds of this family, is the Burrowing Owl (A. hypugea), inhabiting 
western America, which lives in a hole in the ground, instead of taking up 
its abode in a hollow tree like the others of these birds. It is said to make 
an excavation occasionally for itself, but more commonly takes possession 
of one already finished by the prairie dog (Arctomys ludoviciana), in which 
it makes its nest and rears its young. One of the most singular features in 
the history of this bird is that it inhabits a hole frequently in the midst of 
a large village or settlement of these animals, with which it appears to live 
in perfect harmony. This remark applies, however, also to various kinds 
of rattlesnakes, which have a partiality for the villages and comfortable 
quarters of the prairie dog, and both have been suspected of a liking for 
the young of their entertainers. Travellers disagree, however, upon this 
point, so that it remains unsettled whether the owls and rattlesnakes most. 
relish the good fare or the pleasant society of their hosts. The burrowing 
owl is strictly diurnal, and devours grasshoppers and other insects, and 
small quadrupeds; according to the Indians, it retires to the depths of its 
burrow in autumn, and spends the winter in a state bordering on torpidity. 
Australia produces several species of this genus which are remarkable 
for their large size, though in all other respects they are very similar to the 
minute owls above alluded to. 
Two large species, constituting the genus Ciccaba, are classed in this 
sub-family, one of which, C. personata, in young plumage has a black space 
around each eye, presenting the appearance of a pair of spectacles, on 
account of which it has acquired the name of the spectacled owl. 
Sub-fam. 4. Surnine, or Hawk Owls. Head comparatively small, with 
the facial disk imperfect; eyes small, deeply sunk in the head. Wings 
long ; tarsi short and densely feathered ; claws strong. Diurnal. 
Two species only are included in this sub-family, both of which are 
almost restricted to the Arctic regions, visiting only the northern parts of 
the temperate zone, in both continents, during the winter. They are the 
great snow owl (Nyctea nivea) and the hawk owl (Surnia ulula). 
The former is a Jarge species, distinguished for its plumage of beautiful 
snowy whiteness. Its tarsi and feet are so thickly clothed with plumes 
that they often entirely conceal the toes, and when the bird is sitting at 
rest frequently nothing but the black tips of its claws is visible. The 
eyes, which are very large, are of a beautiful gamboge yellow, which con- 
trasts advantageously with its white plumage. This magnificent bird is 
abundant in the extreme northern regions yet attained to by voyagers, and 
frequently visits in winter the northern countries of both continents, but 
appears to be the more plentiful in North America. It is often shot in the 
neighborhood of Philadelphia during some winters, and those, too, are 
frequently such winters as are remarkable for their mildness; however, 
more or less numerous specimens find their way to city markets every 
winter, and it probably wanders occasionally to the southern limits of 
the United States. 
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