STRIG-ID^E — THE OWLS. H5 
RAPTORES. Bill hooked, the upper mandible furnished at the base with a 
soft skin, or cere, in which the nostrils are situated. Toes three before and one 
behind. 
Strigidse. Eyes directed forwards, and surrounded by radiating feathers, 
which are bounded, except anteriorly, by a circle, or rim, of differently 
formed, stiffer feathers. Outer toe reversible. Claws much hooked and 
very sharp. Legs and toes usually feathered, or at least coated with bristles. 
Eggs always white* (Page 115.) 
Falconidae. Eyes lateral, and not surrounded by radiating feathers. Head 
more or less completely feathered. Outer toe not reversible (except in 
Pandion). Claws usually hooked and sharp, but variable. Eggs variable in 
color. (Page 123.) 
Cathartidse. Eyes lateral ; whole head naked. Outer toe not reversible ; 
claws slightly curved, blunt. Eggs variable in color. (Page 123.) 
Family STRIGIDJS. — The Owls. 
A. Inner toe equal to the middle in length; inner edge of middle claw 
pectinated. First quill longer than the third ; all the quills with their inner webs 
entire, or without emargination. Tail emarginated. Feathers of the posterior 
face of the tarsus recurved, or pointed upwards. Eggs always white. 
1. Strix. Ho ear-tufts ; bill light-colored ; eyes black ; tarsus 
nearly twice as long as middle toe ; toes scantily haired. Size 
medium. Ear-conch nearly as long as the height of the skull, 
with an anterior operculum for only a portion of its length ; ^ 
symmetrical. (Page 117.) 
B. Inner toe decidedly or much shorter than the middle ; inner edge of middle 
claw not pectinated. First quill shorter than the third ; one to six outer quills 
with their inner webs emarginated. Tail rounded. Feathers of the posterior j 
face of the tarsus not recurved, but pointed downwards. 
I. Nostril open, oval, situated in the anterior edge of the cere, which is not 
inflated. 
a. Cere, on top, equal to, or exceeding, the chord of the culmen ; much 
arched. Ear-conch nearly as long as the height of the skull, with the 
operculum extending its full length ; asymmetrical. 
2. Otus. One or two outer quills with their inner webs 
emarginated. With or without ear- tufts. Bill blackish ; iris 
yellow. Size medium. (Page 117.) 
Ear- tufts well developed ; only one quill emarginated. 
(Page 117.) Otus. 
Ear-tufts rudimentary ; two quills emarginated. (Page 
118.) Brachyotus. 
b. Cere, on top, less than the chord of the culmen ; gradually ascending 
basally, or level (not arched). Ear-conch nearly the height of the skull, 
with the operculum extending only a part of its full length, or wanting 
entirely. 
t Anterior edge of the ear-conch with an operculum; the two ears 
asymmetrical. 
* 
