These are distinguished by two tufts or horns of feathers placed on each side of their head. They are sub-divided into many species. The five most important are the Great Owl, Virginian Eared Owl, the Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, and Scops-eared Owl. The Great Owl is the most remarkable of the whole family on account of its size and strength. Its height is on an average of two feet, and it is known as the king of nocturnal Birds. Its bills and claws are of a black color, very strong and hooked. Its plumage is brown, with black spots and dark brown stripes. Its wings when extended, are not less than five feet across. This bird makes its home among the clefts of rocks on mountain sides, rarely leaving this elevated ground to descend into the plain, even when hunting. Its peculiar cry, re-echoing in the silence of the night, is a source of terror to the rest of the feathered creation. It feeds upon Rabbits, Moles, Rats and Mice, and even devours Toads, Frogs and small reptiles. This Owl is the most courageous of the family, and often fights with the Tawny Eagle. In these fierce fights, both the Owl and the Eagle are sometimes killed, as they bury their claws so deep in one another’s flesh that they cannot withdraw them. The Great Owl is common in Switzerland and Italy and also inhabits Asia. The Virginian Eared Owl inhabits North America. This bird is nearly the size of the Great Owl of Europe. It is distinguished from the latter by a different arrangement of the feathered projections on its head, which, instead of starting from the ears, take their rise close above the bill. This bird feeds on young poultry, which it boldly carries off from the very midst of poultry yards; to the Turkey it is especially destructive. When other food fails, it feeds on dead fish. If caught when young it is easily tamed, but as it gets mature its blood-thirsty instincts become so powerful that it proves a most expensive pet. THE LONG-EARED OWL. The Long-eared Owl is more sociable than most nocturnal Birds of Prey, and is often met with in the north of France and England. It is also found in Asia, Africa and America. It is not large, for it seldom exceeds fifteen inches in length; nevertheless, it is possessed of great courage, and attacks successfully Birds and Mammals of considerable size. Its appetite appears insatiable. The general color varies from pale to dark brown, marked with dark pencilings. Any nest, even that of the Squirrel, suits its fancy, in which it lays four or five white eggs. Although so blood-thirsty, it is easily tamed.