LAND BIRDS. 



313 



shores of Hudson's Bay northward to the limit of trees, about 68 degrees. 

 In Alaska it nests near the sea as early as April, and in the interior as late 

 as the middle of June. The nest is placed in trees, and the eggs, two to 

 four, are dull white with Uttle luster, unspotted, and average 2.16 by 1.71 

 inches. 



Although this bird exceeds the Great Horned Owl in measurements, its 

 weight is much less, in fact seldom greater than that of the Barred Owl. 

 Its plumage is very soft, fluffy and deep, so that it appears to be a much 

 heavier bird than it really is. 



Little seems to be known of its food, but it probably feeds largely on hares. 



Fig. 80. IGreat Gray Owl. Adult. 

 From photograph of museum specimen. (Original.) 



meadow mice and squirrels, together with ptarmigan and smaller birds. 

 It is commonly reported to feed mainly at night, but since its habitat lies 

 in large part within the Arctic Circle, it must do all its hunting during the 

 summer by daylight. 



TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION. 



Ear-tufts or plumicorns entirely absent; feet and toes heavily feathered to tlic base 

 of the claws; first six primaries cniarginate or sinuate on inner webs near tip; iris yellow. 



Adult: Dark graj-ish brown above, irregularly mottled witii grayish-white, and with 

 some indistinct cross-bars; under parts mottled grayish wiiite and dusky, with irregular 

 dark grayish-brown stripes on breast and belly, and bars of same color on flanks, facial 

 disk grayish, with numerous concentric dark rings; bill yellowish or nearly white; claws 

 dark. Sexes alike in color, but female largest. 



Length 25 to 30 inches; wing IG to 18; tail 11 to 12.50; spread of wings 4\ to 5 feet. 



