WHITE OR BARN OWL. 139 



WHITE OR BARN OWL. 



(Strixflammea, Lin. Wilson, vi. p. 57. pi. 50. fig. 2. Philad. Museum, 



No. 486.) 



Sp. Charact. — Yellowish-tawny, or pale yellowish with darkish 

 zigzag lines, and small spots of whitish ; beneath whitish, or 

 yellowish white, generally with dark brownish points ; wings ex- 

 tending far beyond the tail ; bill whitish. 



There is scarcely any part of the~ world in which this 

 common species is not found ; extending even to both sides 

 of the equator, it is met with in New Holland, India, and 

 Brazil ; it is perhaps no where more rare than in this part 

 of the United States, and is only met with in Pennsylva- 

 nia and New Jersey in cold and severe winters. Nor is it 

 ever so familiar as in Europe, frequenting almost uniform- 

 ly the hollows of trees. In the old continent it is almost 

 domestic, inhabiting even populous towns, and is particu- 

 larly attached to towers, belfries, the roofs of churches, 

 and other lofty buildings, which afford it a retreat during 

 day. The elegant, graphic lines of Gray, describing its 

 romantic haunt, are in the recollection of every one. 



•' from yonder ivy-mantled tower. 



The moping owl does to the moon complain 

 Of such, as wand'ring near her secret bower, 

 Molest her ancient solitary reign." 



It leaves its dark abode, usually at twilight, at which 

 time it makes a blowing hiss after the manner of the 

 Mottled Owl, something like shai, sTiaie, shaieai. It 

 also utters other different sharp and grating notes either 

 on the wing or at rest, resembling, craie^ graie, 6i,c., all 

 of which are so uncouth and disagreeable, that, connected 

 with the awful scenery of churches and of tombs, in the 

 hours of darkness, they inspire dread and terror in the 

 minds of the weak, timid, and superstitious. The owl. 



