SUPPLEMENT TO ORNITHOLOGY 5

The most learned Ulisse Aldrovandi originally divided his *Ornithology* into three parts. In the first volume, he reviewed birds of prey, both diurnal and nocturnal. The second accounted for grain-eating birds—namely the poultry types, pigeons, peacocks, pheasants, and their kin—as well as those that live on worms and the omnivorous species. Finally, the third volume brought together all those birds that submerge themselves in water, such as geese and ducks, along with those that frequent the water's edge in search of food, such as herons and similar species. Following this established order, we are now adding several items that were never printed—partly due to the sheer quantity of illustrations kept in the museum (once Aldrovandi’s and now belonging to the Most Illustrious Senate of Bologna), and partly because the author had not observed them in time for previous publication.

First, we present for the reader’s examination and consideration the talon of a certain bird of prey, which can still be seen in the museum as a translucent specimen. The reader may study this illustration to see whether it might belong to the diurnal or nocturnal birds of this class.

Should this talon belong to the diurnal birds of prey, we also offer further illustrations pertaining to the nocturnal ones; for the reader will have both the figure of the *periophthalmion* (the membrane surrounding the eye) of an owl—or screech-owl—and its egg to study and reflect upon.

Talon of a bird of prey.