180 BTtlTIHJt BITWS' NESTS. 



gveyisli-^xhite, mixed with j^ale brown, and streaked 

 and barred witli dark brown. Under tail-coverts, 

 and feathers on legs and toes, pale yellowish-brown ; 

 claws same colom- as beak. 



The female is similar in plumage, but is said 

 to be somewhat larcfer. 



Hifuafinn and Localitjj. — -The old nest of a Crow, 

 Heron, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, or the disused drey 

 of a squirrel, in plantations of firs, and in w^oods and 

 forests containing evergreens sparingly, in suitable 

 localities throughout the United Kingdom. 



Ma ter ia Is . — X one . 



Eggs. — Three to seven, generally four or five. 

 White, oval, and smooth. Size about 1-65 by 1-3 

 in. Not likely to be confused with those of any 

 other bird except Eing Dove ; but their number 

 and the appearance of the layer will readily settle 

 the point. 



Time. — March and x\pril. 



Bemarl-s. — Eesident and also migratorv. Note, 

 a deep hoot. Local and other names, none. Sits 

 very closely. 



OWL, SHORT-EARED. 



Descrqifiort of Parent Birds. — Length about 

 fifteen inches. Beak short, much curved, and 

 blackish. Irides 3'ellow. The radiating circle of 

 feathers round each eye black in the centre, and 

 lighter on the outer edges, mixed wdth reddish- 

 brown, black, and white, especialh^ the last-named 

 colour, round the bill. On the top of the head 

 are two tufts of feathers about three-quarters of 

 an inch long, which the bird can erect or depress 

 at pleasure. These are blackish on the outer 

 webs, and whitish on the inner. Crown of the 



