NOCTUA. 
269 
Nocttta, generic characters. — Bill much curved 
from the base, cere short, nostrils oval, fascial 
disk almost complete, slightly imperfect above 
the eyes ; feathers composing it large ; conchal 
opening large, operculum oval, narrow, hut 
running along its whole upper edge. Wings 
with the quills ample, rounded ; third and 
fourth equal and longest ; inner webs of the 
first and second notched ; tail ample, nearly 
square ; tarsi and toes completely feathered 
with soft hairy plumes; claws delicate to- 
wards the tip, sharp ; general plumage full 
and soft. 
