[Illustration: OWLS.]
The Owls represent the nocturnal Birds of Prey. They are distinguished
by large staring eyes directed straight in front, and surrounded by a
circle of slender and stiff feathers, which by their radiation around
the face form a nearly complete disc. They have short strong bills and
sharp claws for seizing their prey.
With the exception of the Barn Owl, all these nocturnal Birds of Prey
lay eggs of spherical shape. They live in couples, only assembling in
flocks at the time of migrating to a warmer climate. They do not build
any nests but deposit their eggs in the cavities in old trunks of trees
or ruined habitations. None of these Birds come out of their roosting
places during the day, unless they are forced to do so.
For brief and simple classification the Owl family is usually divided
into two groups—the Horned Owls and the Hornless Owls.