G4 
VERTEBRATA. 
THE GREAT AMERICAN HORNED OWLS, 
THE STRIGID^E OE OWLS. 
The two preceding families of Falcons and Vultures are generally active during tlie day, and 
hence are called Diurnal Birds of Prey. We now come to the Owls^ whicli reverse this system, 
and, sleeping by day and entering upon the duties and pleasures of life hy night, are called Nocturnal 
Birds of Prey. In all ages and countries they seem to have made a powerful impression on the 
human imagination, usually of a gloomy and terrific nature. Seldom seen except as dim and 
