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OTUS. 
In the birds composing the genus Otus, 
Cuvier, we begin to see habits more diurnal, and 
a less degree of annoyance when exposed to a 
bright sun ; more wary habits when disturbed ; the 
irides coloured, as in the aberrant forms of the 
Falconid®. The structure, however, continues all 
the beautiful peculiarities for nightly hunting, but 
the habits we have mentioned must weigh strongly 
in coming to a proper decision what form is entitled 
to rank as typical of the whole family. The head 
is adorned with egrets or lengthened feathers, — a 
modification of a crest. 
Otus, generic characters. — Bill comparatively 
short, bending from the base, and forming aii 
eliptic curve ; margins of the mandible nearly 
straight ; nostrils oval, placed obliquely. Con- 
chal opening large, shutting with a narrowoval 
operculum ; auditory opening large. Facial 
disk complete ; head furnished with egrets. 
Wings long, second quill longest ; tail even ; 
