134 



The Great Horned Owl is the evil genius of the woods. Winding 

 silently in and out through the shadowy foliage, it is master of all except 

 the larger animals. The animosity the crows show the Great Horned Owl 

 must be based upon bitter experience. 



Economic Status. The economic status of this bird depends upon 

 where it lives. In the deep woods away from settlement it is, of course, 

 harmless and only the wild creatures it preys upon are affected by it. In 

 settled districts this bird is to be guarded against in every possible way. 

 Of 110 stomachs examined, 31 contained poultry or game birds; 8, other 

 birds; 13, mice; 65, other mammals; 1, a scorpion; 1, fish; and 10, insects. 

 The evidence is, therefore, decidedly against this owl. There is no danger 

 that restriction will result in its extermination since it is perfectly able to 

 take care of itself and there are large sections where the species can hold 

 sway over the wilderness without molestation. 



376. Snowy Owl. pr. — le harfang. Nyctea nyctea. L, 25. A large, white owl 

 with short, sharp, dark-brown barring practically all over and without perceptible ear 

 tufts. Adult birds which have reached maturity may be almost immaculate. 



Distinctions. The only owl that is markedly white, except the Arctic Horned Owl 

 which sometimes approaches it. The lack of horns or ears, however, is diagnostic. 



Field Marks. Nearly white bird without ear tufts. 



Nesting. On ground. 



Distribution. Arctic regions of North America, migrating south in winter to the 

 latitude of the Great Lakes across the continent. 



This is a winter visitor in the settled parts of Canada. It frequents 

 frozen marshes and lake shores and is typically a bird of the open. Usually 

 the birds that come from the north are heavily marked juveniles, but 

 occasionally flights occur in which the very white and almost unspotted 

 adults are in the majority. Probably the juveniles are naturally greater 

 wanderers than the adults which migrate far from their home grounds 

 only when driven out by a scarcity of food or attracted south by a great 

 abundance of rabbits. 



377. Hawk Owl. fr. — la chouettb eperviere d'amerique. Surnia vlula' 

 L, 15. A medium-sized owl of somewhat hawk-like build and habits. Above, rich, 

 warm brown variously spotted with white. All underparts and breast, sharply and regu- 

 larly barred with brown and white. A rich seal brown line bordering the outer sides of 

 the facial disks and meeting in the throat. Facial disk not as perfect as in most owls. 



Distinctions. The less flattened and less typically owl-like face, long tail, and sharp 

 and regular barring of the underparts are distinctive. 



Field, Marks. Diurnal habits, general coloration, and long tail are good field marks. 

 Any owl seen himting in the daytime or perched in commanding position in full daylight 

 is probably this species, though the Long and Short-eared both do so occasionally. 



Nesting. In evergreen trees or in holes in dry trunks. 



Distribution. The northern wooded parts of the continent, occurring within the 

 settled regions only rarely in winter. 



SUBSPECIES. The Hawk Owl occurs in both the New and Old Worlds as aUied 

 subspecies, the type being European. The American Hawk Owl S. u. caparoch is the 

 only form found in Canada. 



This is the most strictly diurnal of Canadian owls. It is very hawk- 

 like in action and form, being of more slender and lighter build than other 

 members of its family. It may often be seen perched on the tip of a dry 

 tree trunk, reminding one very much of the Sparrow Hawk both in outline 

 and in the distinctive way in which it jerks its tail. 



