10 A'otcs on Sonic Oivls and Hazuks. 



in open plains; they seem to enjoy the g'lare of the sun. and fly 

 about rapidly in search of food in daytime. Not timid, and 

 allows fairly close approach; if really disturbed, at once retreat 

 into their burrow. When young are only covered in down 

 they often sit at entrance of burrow, but descend quickly when 

 approached. 



They feed principally upon insects, and in the West Indies 

 on rats and reptiles. 



M. C. L. Bonaparte's records concerning' this species are 

 as follows : 



" Marmots, whose excavations are so commodious as to make 't 

 " unnecessary that the owl should dig for himself, as he is said to do in 

 ■' other parts of the world, where no burrowing animals exist. These 

 " villages are very numerous, sometimes covering a few acres, and at o'.hers 

 " spreading over the surface of the country for miles together. The} are 

 " composed of slightly elevated mounds, having the form of a truncated 

 " cone, about 2ft. in width at the base, and seldom rising so high as lO'n. 

 " above the surface of the soil. The entrance is placed either at the top 

 " or on the side, and the whole mound is beaten down externally, especially 

 " at the summit, resembling a much used footpath." 



" In all these prairie-dog villages the Pjurrovving Owl is seen moving 

 " briskly about, or else in small flocks scattered among the mounds, and 

 " at a distance may be mistaken for the marmot itself, when sitting erect. 

 " They manifest but little timidity, and allow themselves to be approached, 

 " but if alarmed, some, or all of them, soar away again and settle down 

 " at a short distance : if further disturbed, this flight is continued until they 

 " are no longer in view, or the\- descend into their dwellings, whence they 

 " arc so difficult to dislodge." 



" The burrows into which these owls have been seen to dcsc?nd, on 

 " the plains of the river Platte, where they are most numerous, were 

 " evidently excavated by the marmot ; whence it has been inferred that they 

 " were either common, though unfriendly, residents of the same habitation, 

 " or that this owl was the sole occupant acquired by right of conquest. 

 ■' The evidence of this was clearly presented bv the ruinous condition of 

 "' l>urrows tenanted by the owl, which were frequently caved in. and their 

 " sides channelled by the rains : while the neat and well-preserved mansion 

 " of the marmot showed the active care of a skilful and industrious owner. 

 " We have no evidence that the owl and marmot habitually resort to one 

 " burrow, yet we are assured by Pike and others that a common danger 

 " often drives them into the same excavation, where lizards and rattle- 

 " snakes also enter for concealment and safety." 



Inhabits X. America, treeless regions of Western 

 N. America, from Plains to Pacific, also suitable places in 

 many other States. In Dakota and other regions as manv a= 



