Genus BUBO.

Gen. Cuar. Bill short, str
N. AR. , strong, curved an "ESS ls pi
g, d compressed at the point. Nos¢rz/s pierced in the
cere are T a a © :
, large, oval, or rounded. Head furnished with tufts of feathers. Wengs rather short
concave, third and fourth quill-feathers generally the | ” ; :
g y the longest. Legs and toes covered

with feathers, outer eure ais. S
s, outer toe reversible ; claws long, curved and sharp.

GREAT-HORNED oR EAGLE OWL.

Bubo maximus, Szbbald.

Le Hibou Grand-duc.

Amone the species of this singular race belonging to Europe, the Great-horned or Eagle Owl holds the first
place in point of size and in majesty of appearance ; nor is it inferior, or if so, but sliohtty to any iano
species from other parts of the world. It forms a typical example of the genus Bubo, oe dittinouiatied
by a tuft of elongated feathers above each eye, usually denominated ears, though, as may be aos these
plumes have no connexion whatever with the true organs of hearing. oe
The present division, as well as one or two others, the species of which possess bright yellow-coloured

jrides, appears to enjoy the power of vision to a greater extent either in dull daylight or by the bright light
pe) J 5

of the TOON 5 and even during sunshine they are by no means so confused and distressed as their allies
contained in the restricted genus Strix, possessing eyes, the pupils of which, capable of prodigious enlargement,
adapt them more exclusively to the dusk of evening or the sombre darkness of night. The true babitat of
this noble species is the more northern portions of Europe: M. Temminck states, that it is so extensively
spread as to occur at the Cape of Good Hope. We have ourselves seen it in collections from China; and
Dr. Latham adds, that it is found at Kamschatka as well as in the northernmost parts of America. Granting,
however, that it is diffused thus extensively, still its true habitat appears to be among the large forests of the
wild and desolate regions of Norway, and the parallel latitudes of Sweden and Russia. It is less common in

Germany and Switzerland, and of rare occurrence in France and England; still, from the frequent captures
Islands, it may be classed among our birds, especially as it seems to be

the want of secluded and unmolested retreats than by an uncon-

of it that have been made in the British

deterred from settling among us more by
geniality of climate. The Great-horned Owl may likewise be considered as one of the most powerful of its
Perched upon some branch, and obscured by the shadows of

race, boldly preying upon the largest game.
osing among the fern,—the hare nibbling the grass,—

evening, it marks its ill-fated quarry,—the fawn rep
ently and rapidly down it pounces, strikes its talons into its victim,

the grouse couching among the heath ;—sil
Less noble game, such as moles, rats, and lizards, may be also

and commences the work of destruction.
ranked among its articles of food.

This fine bird chooses the clefts of roc
of nidification, laying three eggs of a rounded shape and white colour.

The female is larger than her mate, and her colours are more bright.
The upper surface of the body is a mingled blending of brown and yellow, with zigzag lines and bars ;

below the ground colour is yellow, with black longitudinal dashes on the chest, and fine transverse irregular
bars over the whole of the rest of the plumage ; irides bright fiery orange 5 beak and nails black. Length

nearly two feet.
We are indebted to the Hon. Daniel Finch for

Our figure is about three fourths of the natural size.

ks, or the hollows of decayed trees of antique growth, for the purpose

an example of this fine Owl for illustration in this Work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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