408 BIKDB OF ILLINOIS. 



Probably no laiul liinl has so extensive a range as the present 

 species, occurring as it does throughout all the grand divisions of 

 the iiirtli's surface, except Australia, and also on many of the 

 Tolynesian islands. In America it is found evel•3r^vhere in suitable 

 localities, from Alaska and Greenland to Cape Horn. 



Notwithstanding the fact that this species has an almost cosmo- 

 politan range (the Australian region being almost the only part of 

 the world where it is wanting), and also that great variations are 

 noticeable in the plumage of the different individuals, 1 am con- 

 vinced of the futility of any attempt to separate, as races even, 

 the birds from ditYcrent countries. In this connection the reader is 

 referred to Vol. IV., of the "Proceedings" of the U. S. National 

 Museum, pp. SfiC-STl, where the subject is treated in detail. 



In Illinois the Short-eared Owl occurs in all open grassy situations, 

 either as a wnter visitant or resident, and is particularly common 

 on the prairies. Mr. Nelson says (in Bull. Essex Inst. Vol. VIII., p. 

 117,) the following of it as obsei-ved by liim in the northeastern por- 

 tion of the State : 



"The most abundant species of the family. Arrives from the 

 north in lai'ge numliers the first of November, and disperses through 

 tile State. They are common everywhere, on prairies and marshes, 

 during the winter. Remain concealed in a bunch of grass or reeds 

 until about two o'clock p. m., when they commence flying low over 

 the ground in search of their prey. When approached, while stand- 

 ing on the ground, they crouch and try to escape obseiTation, much 

 in the manner of the Burrowing Owl. They are very harmless, and 

 are easily tamed." 



Genus SYRNIUM Samony. 



Suntium Saviont, Desc. tie TEKypte. I!M9,298, et Auctorum. Type (by eliminatioiil, S. 

 nfrirfu/a Li>!N.,-.s'. alupo LnJN. 



Oen. C'HAB. Size vurylnif from medium to very larfje. No ear-tiifls. Hi'iid very 

 Inrgo; the eyes compariilively small. Five outer primaries, with their Inner webs sinu- 

 ated. Tarsi and upper portion of the toes ileiisejy elotlied with liair-like feathers— the 

 toes. howeviT, sometimes i/ntirely niilvod. Tail eonsiderably more than half as Iouk as 

 the wints. dei-idedly rovinded. Ear orillee very high, but not as hiuh as the skull, and 

 furnished with an anterior opereulum, whieh does not usually extend alona the full 

 leuKlh; the two ears nsynimetrleiil. Bill yellow. 



