MOTTLED TUFTED-OWL. 457 



on the upper parts, and the buff of the lower being more or 

 less intense. The intestinal canal varies a few inches in length, 

 and the coeca are very seldom equal. 



Habits. — This Owl is a constant resident, and occurs in 

 most of the wooded districts of England and Scotland. Next 

 to the Barn Owl, it is our most common species, although not 

 of frequent occurrence in any part of the country. It is strictly 

 nocturnal, coming abroad in the evening, and resting by day in 

 woods and thickets. The first individual which I ever saw 

 alive, I shot in a small wood of pinus sylvestris, near Elgin, to 

 which I was directed by Mr Barclay of Calcoats. It was re- 

 posing on one of the higher branches of a tall tree, and allowed 

 me to approach within forty yards. The food of this species 

 consists of small glires, moles, and birds, as well as insects. 

 If disturbed by day, it flies in a buoyant but rather slow and 

 wavering manner ; but of its nocturnal flight I am unable to 

 speak. It generally appropriates the deserted nest of a rook 

 or other large bird, but sometimes forms one for itself, and lays 

 from three to five eggs, which are elliptical, an inch and nine 

 twelfths in length, an inch and four twelfths in breadth, smooth, 

 and of a pure white colour. The young, which are hatched 

 in the beginning of May, are at first covered with down, not 

 •white as some have stated, but of a light yellowish-grey tint, 

 barred with faint brown, and have two conspicuous tufts on 

 the head. They frequently emit a loud rather shrill cry, and 

 even when they have come abroad in June, continue for some 

 weeks to importune their parents for food in the same manner. 

 The old birds at night occasionally emit a plaintive cry. 



" The Long-tufted Owl," Mr Hepburn informs me, " is rather 

 a common species in East Lothian, roosting and nestling in our 

 dark pine woods. Sol will sometimes surprise the nocturnal 

 wanderer, feasting on his prey in the meadow. He seeks the 

 friendly shelter of the hedgerow or neighbouring wood, where he 

 hopes to remain in peace until night again throws her veil over 

 nature. Vain are his hopes, for a prying wren has discovered 

 the intruder, and sounds an alarm. The robin, the white- 

 throat, the chanter, and other birds hasten to the spot. First 



