BIRDS OF PREY. Owli 



half-sly expression, that gives a mysterious air. This spe- 

 cies has the same characteristics as the European Barn 

 Owl, which is pointed out as a bird of ill omen, having the 

 uncanny voice that calls from ivied turrets and a grinning, 

 witch-like face. 



In fact, it is a harmless bird, feeding on mice, moles, large 

 beetles, etc. ; it is the Monkey-faced Owl of newspaper 

 natural history. 



FAMILY BUBONIDJE: HORNED OWLS. 

 American Long-eared Owl: Asia wiUonianus* 



Cat Owl 



Plate 52. 



Length : 14-16 inches. 



Male and Female: Above finely mottled with brown, ash, and dark 

 orange. Long, erect ear tufts. Complete facial disk, reddish 

 brown with darker inner circle ; dark brown broken bands on 

 wings and tail. Legs and feet completely feathered. Breast 

 pale orange with long brown stripes. Bill and claws blackish. 



Note : A variety of hoot, also a moaning mew. 



Season: Kesident. 



Breeds : In early spring, throughout range. 



Nest : A rude structure which may be built either on the abandoned 

 nests of Hawks, Crows, or Herons, on the ground, or in hollow 

 stumps. 



Eggs : 4-6, the usual soiled white. 



Bange : Temperate North America. 



The Long-eared Owl, or Cat Owl (so called from its mew- 

 ing cry and round face), has conspicuous ear tufts, as long, 

 for the size of the bird, as those of the Great Horned Owl. 

 These Owls frequent the same lowlands as the Short-eared 

 species ; they are very abundant in early winter, both along 

 the marsh borders and in the woods by the river. Dur- 

 ing December, 1889, they were so common that several were 

 killed by boys with stones, and I have frequently seen 

 them among the evergreens in the garden. This species 

 has a very bright, saucy expression and looks at you as if 



207. 



