THE OWLS (_Striginæ_) constitute the last division of the extensive order
RAPTORES to which we have to call the attention of our readers. These
remarkable birds possess an apparently heavy, but, in reality, slender
and by no means muscular body, and a large, broad, thickly-plumaged
head. Their short, very decidedly arched beak terminates in a hook, and
is partially covered by a cere, which is so thickly clothed with stiff
bristle-like feathers as to be entirely concealed. The large eyes, which
look directly forward, are without the bony ridge projecting from the
brow, usually so characteristic of the Falconidæ, and are encompassed by
a circle of slender, radiating, hair-like feathers, forming a _facial
disc_. The ear is highly developed, and often furnished with a kind of
lid; the wings are long, broad, and wedge-shaped; the tail broad and
of various lengths; the short tarsi and toes are covered with feathery
plumes or hairs; the outer toe is reversible, as in the Parrot, and the
claws are long and sharp. The plumage of the body is composed of long,
broad feathers, and is so extremely soft and downy as to render the
flight of an Owl almost noiseless; the coloration is in most species
sombre, and scarcely distinguishable from the bark of the trees on which
they perch; in some few, on the contrary, it is comparatively bright and
varied. All the members of this division possess extraordinary power of
seeing in the dark, and hear with such acuteness that they can readily
detect and obtain their prey in situations where sight seems impossible.
As regards intelligence they are certainly behind the rest of the order;
and, though generally peaceful in their disposition, will, if excited,
fall upon and devour such of their companions as are aged or sick, not
sparing even their own offspring. Their flight is usually slow, and
their movements upon the ground extremely clumsy, but when in the trees
they hop about and spring from branch to branch with great agility,
sometimes amusing themselves by ducking their heads and throwing their
bodies into a great variety of ludicrous attitudes. Every quarter of
the globe is inhabited by these predatory birds, some species being as
much at home on the icebergs of the Polar regions as others are beneath
a tropical sun; they are sometimes found upon mountains, at an altitude
of 15,000 feet above the level of the sea, and, though woodland regions
are their favourite resorts, frequent both populous districts and desert
plains. Although generally classed collectively as "Night Birds," some
few species obtain their food during the day, and confront the sunlight
with the utmost ease; still, they are for the most part nocturnal,
concealing themselves in holes and cavities until the hour of twilight
has arrived, and, if forced into the full glare of day, sit blinking and
staring in a state of helpless bewilderment most amusing to behold. All
reject carrion, and only devour such food as they have themselves killed,
subsisting principally upon small quadrupeds, birds, and insects; a few
will even eat fish. Many species are capable of living without water for
months at a time, though they drink it readily, and often bathe freely.
Most of the members of this sub-order lay from two to seven round white
eggs, which are deposited in holes of trees, rocks, or buildings. The
young remain for a considerable time under the care of their parents, by
whom they are protected with great affection and courage.
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The DAY OWLS (_Surniæ_) are recognisable by their small head, slender
body, long tail and wings, and compact plumage. All their senses are well
developed, and in intelligence they far exceed any of their nocturnal
relatives.