. Key to North American birds. Containing a concise account of every species of living and fossil bird at present known from the continent north of the Mexican and United States boundary, inclusive of Greenland and lower California, with which are incorporated General ornithology: an outline of the structure and classification of birds; and Field ornithology, a manual of collecting, preparing, and preserving birds. Birds; Birds; 1887. STBIGIB^: OTHER OWLS. 511 Carolinas and Texas; there being no part of the U. S. where it may not appear at that season. It is far frotn being exclusively nocturn
. Key to North American birds. Containing a concise account of every species of living and fossil bird at present known from the continent north of the Mexican and United States boundary, inclusive of Greenland and lower California, with which are incorporated General ornithology: an outline of the structure and classification of birds; and Field ornithology, a manual of collecting, preparing, and preserving birds. Birds; Birds; 1887. STBIGIB^: OTHER OWLS. 511 Carolinas and Texas; there being no part of the U. S. where it may not appear at that season. It is far frotn being exclusively nocturnal, and hunts abroad in the day-time as readily as any hawk. It has never been ascertained to breed in the U. S., though it probably does so in Maine, as is certainly the case little further north. It is capable of enduring the rigors of Arctic winters. Tlie nest is usually upon the ground or rocks; the eggs are 5 t(-) 10, laid at intervals (as is the case with various other owls), so that the nest njay C(intain fresh and incu- bated eggs and young birds at once; they are equal-ended, about X 1-90. The bird preys upon grouse, ptarmigan, hares, and smaller game, especially the field-mice and lemmings which swarm in the Arctic regions. 166. SUR'NIA, (Etym. of Surnia or Syrnium unknown.) Hawk Owls. SkuU and ear-parts much as in Bubo or Nyctea; latter non-oporculate, the (jpening of small size; facial thse very little developed, and eyes not centric to it; no pluudcorns. Wings folding far short of end of tail; third primary longest; first 4 emarginate on inner webs. Tail remarkably long, little shorter than the wing, much graduated, with lanceolate feathers. Feet thicklj- and completel}' feathered to the claws; tarsus scarcely or not longer than middle toe. Of medium size, witli a peculiarly neat and dressy appearance, for an owl, the whole plumage being more strict than in other members of this family. There is but one species, common to northern portions of both hemispheres,
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, booksubjectbirds, bookyear1887
