ZOOLOGY. 



67 



tent themselves with the deserted nest of the Crow ; and 

 others build in large trees ; the larger kinds usually lay but 

 two eggs, or if a third be laid, it rarely happens that more 

 than two are hatched; they are all exceedingly long lived. 



Most of this family feed entirely on living Animals ; and 

 only devour Carrion in default of other food, whereas th& 

 Vulture only attacks living Animals, when no other food 

 offers. Many of the larger kinds are exceedingly destruc- 

 tive, feeding on Daer, Sheep, and other Quadrupeds, also on 

 Birds, particularly those of the Gallinaceous tribe. They 

 are sometimes caught in traps baited with live Animals ; but 

 they are generally so shy as scarcely to be obtained, except 

 from the nest, or by the use of the gun. Twenty-four species 

 are natives of Great Britain, for figures and descriptions of 

 which, see Briliih Ornithology^ Vols. 1,2^ 3. 



4. Strix. Owl. Bill strong and hooked, the greater part, 

 including the nostrils, is covered with bristly feathers ; 

 nostrils oblong ; tongue cleft ; toes four, the outer one 

 capable of being used either backward or forward ; 

 c/«2s?* hooked and sharp; the exterior web of the outer 

 quill-feather serrated. Some of the species of this 

 genus have tufts of feathers, situated on the top 

 of the head, which are longer than the others, and 

 are erectable at pleasure, these are termed Eared or 

 Horned Owls, in contra-distinction to those which 

 are not furnished with these Ear -like appendages. 



The principal part of this family are nocturnal Birds, 

 F 2 



