FOREST BIRDS 145 



and this difference in habit is so important that it 

 affects their whole lives. 



Whether Owls can see as well at night as other 

 birds can during the daytime we do not know ; but 

 the ease with which they steer a safe course through 

 the woods and pounce upon a scurrying mouse be- 

 low in what to our eyes is darkness, gives us some 

 conception of the keenness of their vision. We may 

 well believe, therefore, that instead of being handi- 

 capped by their nocturnal habits, Owls enjoy a real 

 advantage over diurnal birds. 



While Sparrows, Warblers and Flycatchers, for 

 example, have to compete with scores of others of 

 their kinds, Owls are comparatively few in species 

 and in numbers, and the world at night offers them 

 an abundance of room and a never-failing supply of 

 food. 



So, without inquiring further into the habits of 

 Owls, we must admit that, if they are responsible 

 for their night-loving ways, they show no little wis- 

 dom in remaining at home during what we may call 

 the rush-hours of the day, and coming forth to hunt 

 only when they can have the world pretty much to 

 themselves. 



Two interesting exceptions to the rule that Owls 

 are nocturnal are the Snowy Owl and the Hawk 

 Owl, both of which are active by day. Evidently 



