OWLS. 
249 
those species whose heads are ornamented with 
lengthened feathers, ■which can ho raised or de- 
pressed at pleasure, and which has gained for the 
birds possessing them the common appellation of 
“ Eared" we have the plumage equally soft and 
pliant as in the last, and the colouring is composed 
of blended shades of brown and yellow. The 
facial disk is large and expanded, and the eye, 
when removed, is large, and is surrounded by a 
ring of bony plates of much strength. The conch 
is large, but the operculum is not so large or ex- 
panded as in Strix , while, on the contrary, the 
external opening of the ear is large, as if to com- 
pensate for tire lesser surface which can be thrown 
open to receive the sounds. The bill is short and 
hooked, the rictus not so ample. The habits of 
Otus are more decidedly arboreal. They abide con- 
stantly in woods, and breed on trees ; and, when 
once roused from their day retreat, become wary 
and shy. 
The food of the Owls consists chiefly of the 
smaller mammalia. There are few birds, which 
our common species could seize, which are noc- 
turnal, and they do not seem to endeavour to seek 
out their sleeping retreats. The castings of our 
three commonest birds almost invariably contain 
the remains- of mice and arvicolas, which, prowling 
for their smaller wants in the night, also attract 
attention, at the same time that they are evidently 
