The Tawny Oivl. 



473 



dark in body colour, has clearer and more distinct markings 

 than the hen, and is also bolder and more daring in his 

 general appearance. 



Song. — The Tawny Owl screeches and yells in a most 

 hideous manner ; its voice is the very reverse of euphonious. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Good shape ; large, 

 bright, prominent eyes ; rich, clear colour ; the body and wing 

 markings well defined, and more particularly those on the 

 scapulars and wing coverts, the latter being large, perfectly 

 white, and regular ; the plumage close-fitting ; wings and tail 

 free from damaged feathers, and well carried ; feet and toes 

 well formed, and the legs well covered with soft, downy feathers. 

 Good condition and cleanliness are, of course, imperative re- 

 quirements. 



General Eem arks.— Tawny Owls, though neither so elegant 

 nor tractable as White Owls, form a pleasing variety in 

 an aviary of Owls. Though they agree well among their 

 own ''kith and kin," it is imprudent to place them with 

 birds of any other species, however large or able to defend 

 themselves. With proper shelter, and plenty of exercise 

 ground — the aviary being erected in a shady, retired situation, 

 liberally supplied with old logs piled up here and there, and 

 surrounded with open rockwork, among which ferns and 

 shrubs are plentifully distributed— the Tawny Owl appears, 

 if not happy, at least contented with its lot, and under these 

 conditions frequently lays eggs. 



In order to see the Tawny Owl display its energy and skill 

 to perfection, it is only necessary to liberate some live mice 

 in its aviary on a moonlight night. No cat can possibly 

 show more agility and precision in . securing its prey, which 

 it afterwards devours with calm deliberation and evident 

 enjoyment. 



The Tawny Owl is called by some people the Cat Bird, 

 on account of its facial appearance and expression, and the 

 cunning manner in which it secures its victims. It is also 

 known by the name of the Brown Owl. 



As it gets older it becomes tamer, and ultimately recog- 

 nises its attendants ; but it does not exhibit the strong marks 

 of affection that are displayed by the White Owl. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — Like the rest of the Owl 

 family, the Tawny Owl appears to revel in robust health, 



