Genus I.--Surnia, Dumeril. Day-Owl

Birds of America

By John James Audubon, F. R. SS. L. & E.

VOLUME I.

GENUS I.--SURNIA, Dumeril. DAY-OWL.

Bill very short, strong, its upper outline decurved from the base; lower mandible abruptly rounded, with a sinus on each side. Nostrils elliptical, rather large. Aperture of ear elliptical, simple, not more than half the height of the head. Feet strong; tarsi very short or of moderate length. Plumage rather dense; facial disks incomplete above. Wings very large, the third quill longest, the first with the filaments thickened and a little free, but scarcely recurved at the end. Tail varying in length.