BIIiDS 
173 
other times plunging entirely under the surface with force 
sufficient to throw up a considerable spray. It emerges 
again, however, so speedily, as to render it evident that 
it does not attack fish swimming at any great depth." 
The Osprey builds a large nest either on trees or rocks, 
and lays two or three eggs, which have a reddish tinge, 
and are spotted with brown at the larger end. The old 
birds feed the young ones even after they have left the 
nest, and only rear one brood in the year. 
SECTION II. Nocturnal 33irtjs of 
THE HORNED OWL (Strix Otus,) 
Is nearly the largest of all Owls, and has two long tufts 
growing from the top of its head, above its ears, and 
composed of six feathers, which it can raise or lay down 
at pleasure. The eyes are large, and encircled with an 
orange-coloured iris ; the ears are large and deep, and 
the beak black ; the breast, belly, and thighs are of a dull 
yellow, marked with brown streaks ; the back, coverts of 
the wings, and quill-feathers are brown and yellow ; and 
the tail is marked with dusky and red bars. It inhabits 
the north and west of England, and Wales. The organ 
of sight in this bird, as well as in all other Owls, is so 
peculiarly conformed, and so much in its nature resembling 
