188 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF BRITISH BIRDS. 



It is also partial to the fir plantations on hill-sides and 

 near moors and connmons. The Long-eared Owl is not 

 gregarious nor social during the breeding season, but 

 numbers of pairs will breed in a comparatively small 

 area of suitable wood. This Owl does not make any 

 nest, but takes possession of the deserted home of a 

 Magpie, Crow, Wood Pigeon, or Heron, or the old drey 

 of a squirrel. These nests appear not to undergo alter- 

 ation of any kind. As a rule nests are preferred in such 

 trees that have plenty of branches below them, and at a 

 height of some twenty or thirty feet from the ground. 

 The bird sits remarkably closely, not leaving the eggs 

 until the nest is almost reached. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement: 

 The eggs of the Long-eared Owl are from three to six 

 in number, sometimes seven. They are rather oval in 

 shape, somewhat polished, and pure white. Average 

 measurement, v6 inch in length, by r3 inch in breadth. 

 Incubation, performed by both sexes, lasts about 

 twenty-seven days. 



Diagnostic characters: The pure white eggs of 

 this Owl are easily distinguished from those of the 

 Short-eared Owl, but not so readily from those of the 

 Ring Dove ; and as the latter bird breeds in the 

 same woods and plantations they require most careful 

 identification. 



