Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/1481
Scientific nameBubo virgianianus
CollectionHunterian
CategoryWet preparations
Object namebeak, Tongue, Larynx, Organs of Taste, Mounted wet bone and tissue
DescriptionThe lower jaw and beak of a Virginian horned owl, with the tongue and the larynx.
The tongue shows no signs of vascularity, probably due to the thick epidermis. The sides of the tongue and the mucosa beneath the tip are pitted by the openings of glands.
Production date Estimated 1760 - Estimated 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 4: The Long Gallery
Physical Information
Physical descriptionWet preparation of tissue and bone mounted in a circular glass jar with a glass lid.
Materialglass (material), alcohol (70%)
Bubo
Dimensions
whole height: 128 mm
whole diameter: 76 mm
whole weight: 724 g
whole diameter: 76 mm
whole weight: 724 g
Bibliography
SourceDobson 1970-71
Transcript1481: The lower jaw of a Horned Owl (Bubo maximus), with the tongue and larynx in their natural positions. The arteries have been injected. The tongue is of moderate size and is flattened dorso-ventrally, with a gently rounded apex and spreading base. The sides of the tongue are pitted with the orifices of glands and the lateral horns of its base are covered with small re-curved spines. The tongue, owing probably to the thickness of its horny epidermis, does not show signs of vascularity but the membranous area between its base and the larynx is strongly coloured by the injection mass. Beneath the free tip of the tongue, the floor of the mouth is pitted by the openings of numerous glands.
