Ear-orifice not exceeding the eye in size; no operculum. Facial disk generally ill-marked, and never extending as far above the eye as below; ruff nearly or quite obsolete.
This subfamily is much larger than the last two, and contains several Indian forms, varying in size from the great Eagle-Owls to species scarcely larger than a Skylark.
Key to the Genera.
a. Aigrettes well developed.
a1. Size large ; wing exceeding 13.
a2. Tarsi partly or wholly naked………………………KETUPA, p. 280.
b2. Tarsi feathered throughout.
a3. 1st quill longer than 7th; irides yellow………………………BUBO, p. 283.
b3. 1st quill shorterthan 10th; irides brown………………………HUHUA, p. 287.
b1. Size small; wing under 8………………………SCOPS, p. 290.
b. Aigrettes small or wanting.
c1. Cere not inflated, colour mainly or wholly white………………………NYCTEA, p. 289.
d1. Cere inflated; colour brown or rufous.
c2. Plumage more or less spotted with white above………………………ATHENE, p. 300.
d2. Plumage barred above (in Indian forms) ………………………GLAUCIDIUM, p. 304.
e2. Plumage uniformly brown above (in Indian forms) ………………………NINOX, p. 309.
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