354 SYRNIA NYCTEA. 



less buoyant, and more rapid, than that of the other 

 owls ; and the superior boldness and activity of its dis- 

 position, the uncommon size of its talons, and vigour of 

 its limbs secure it against danger from feathered ene- 

 mies. 



" It affects solitary, stony, and elevated districts, 

 which, by the similarity to it in colour of the rocks, 

 render it difficult to be discovered, and, by the inequa- 

 lities of their surface, aflFord it shelter from the rays of 

 the sun ; but on the approach of twilight, it may be seen 

 perching on the exposed eminences. It then quits its 

 haunts, and frequents the cultivated fields, prowling 

 over the low grounds, in quest of mice and small birds. 

 When first observed to leave its retreat, it is frequent- 

 ly assailed by crows and other birds ; but it receives 

 their attacks rather as an amusement than an annoy- 

 ance, and dashes through the air despising their hosti- 

 lity. 



" It preys chiefly on sandpipers, on which it pounces 

 with precision and agility, as it skims along the marshes. 

 The specimen given to Mr Bullock's museum, had an 

 entire one in its stomach when I shot it ; and a mouse, 

 perfectly whole, was taken from that of the present spe- 

 cimen. 



" I may here remark, that the stomach appears to be 

 peculiarly small, and less membranous than what oc- 

 curs in other carnivorous birds, and the food seems to 

 be swallowed entire ; indeed, its bill being feathered to 

 its point, renders this almost necessary. When wound- 

 ed or irritated, it hoots very vehemently, shaking its 

 feathers, and striking rapidly with its feet ; but other- 

 wise it appears to be as silent as it is recluse." 



