Owl

(oul.) [From A. S. ule.] (Zool.) A numerous group of birds, constituting the fam. STRIGIDE, and including the whole of the nocturnal section of the Raptores. Owls are distinguished by having a large head, very large eyes encircled by a ring of fine feathers, and a harsh screeching voice. From the enormous size of the pupils of their eyes, they are enabled to see well in the night, but in the day their sense of sight is imperfect; hence during this time they keep concealed in some secure retreat. Their hearing is very acute, and their plumage soft and loose, enabling them to fly 2 1 3 4 5 6 Fig. 514. 1. Great or Eagle Owl (Bubo maximus); 2. Snowy Owl (Nyctea nivea): 3. Amerionn Great-Horned Owl (Bubo Virginia nus): 4. White or Barn Owl (Strix flammea); 5. Long-eared Owl (Otus vulgar is); 6. Foot of Snowy Owl. without noise, and thus to come on their prey in an unexpected manner. They breed in fi ures of rocks, or in holes of trees, and feed on small birds, mice, bats, . There are many species, but the most remarkable in N. America is the Great Horned Owl, Bubo Virginia nus (3, Fig. 514), which has a tuft of feathers at each ear, and is nearly as large as the golden eagle. [s. 674]