446 NESTS AND EGGS OP 



size and general appearance, and, like that bird, it has the curious 

 habit of poising in midair over a mouse, lizard, frog, or some other 

 object of food before attacking them. In Great Britain it is one of 

 the commonest Falcons, and may be found in all parts of the country. 

 The nest is built in rocky cliffs by the sea coast, in natural cavities 

 of trees, in ancient ruins, in towers of churches, both in the country 

 and cities, even in London. The material used consists of sticks, 

 twigs, hay, wool and feathers, all arranged in a slovenly manner. 

 When the nest is placed in rocks, it is said that no material is used. 

 The eggs, which are rounded-oval in form, are four or five in num- 

 ber, sometimes six. They vary from a reddish to yellowish, speckled, 

 spotted or blotched with orange-brown and reddish-brown. A great 

 variation exists in the style and amount of markings in a large series of 

 eggs. Four eggs collected in Staffordshire, England, May 12, 1884, 

 measure 1.42x1.20, 1.48x1.24, 1.50x1.30,1.53x1.24. A set of five 

 eggs taken from an old church spire in County Antrum, Ireland, May 

 25,1883, gives the following measurements: 1.58x1.30, 1.56x1.26, 

 1.54x1.28,1.56x1.26, 1.54x1.24. 



370. Ulula cinerea (GMEL.) 

 Page 194. This becomes Scoliapics cinerea (Gmel.) 



372. Nyctala acadica (GMEL.) [401.] 



Saw-whet Owl. 



The Acadian Owl is said to be not an uncommon resident in 

 Northern Ohio, a resident or winter visitor in the southern portions 

 of the State. Up to the present time, however, there seems to have 

 been no positive knowledge regarding its breeding within this area, 

 and, judging from the following records, the bird cannot be considered 

 a common species in the State. Dr. Brewer's statement, " it has been 

 said to breed near Cleveland, Ohio, and its nest and eggs have been se- 

 cured," is very unsatisfactory. The bird's small size, its nocturnal and 

 secluded habits, no doubt have much to do with its apparent scarcity. 

 Audubon mentions one which he secured at Cincinnati. Dr. Langdon 

 met two boys on the streets of Cincinnati, October 27, 1886, with a 

 specimen which they had captured in the heart of the city. Mr. 

 Charles Dury records only five specimens taken within fifteen years, 

 one each in the following localities : Avondale, Cincinnati, Cherry 

 Grove, Butler County, and St. Mary's Reservoir. Mr. H. E. Chubb 

 shot a specimen near Cleveland on July n, 1883, and on June 21 of 

 the present year (1889) another specimen was brought him. Both were 

 young birds of the year, proving beyond doubt that the bird breeds 



