LONG-EARED OWL. 



ASIO WILSONIANUS. 



Char. Above, finely mottled with dark brown, dull buff, and gray ; 

 breast similar, but of reddish tint ; belly paler, with dark markings. Ear- 

 tufts large; toes feathered. Length 15 inches. 



Nest. Usually in a tree ; of twigs, lined with grass and feathers. 

 Sometimes a deserted Crow's or Hawk's nest is used. 



Eggs. 3-6; v^hite and oval ; 1.65 X 1.30. 



This species, like several others of the genus, appears to be 

 almost a denizen of the world, being found from Hudson's Bay 

 to the West Indies and Brazil, throughout Europe, in Africa, 

 northern Asia, and probably China, in all which countries 

 it appears to be resident, but seems more abundant in certain 

 places in winter, following rats and mice to their retreats in or 

 near houses and barns. It also preys upon small birds, and 

 in summer destroys beetles. It commonly lodges in ruined 

 buildings, the caverns of rocks, or in hollow trees. It defends 



