BRITAIN'S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 201 



four, or more eggs are white in colour and roundish in 

 shape, as is usual in the Order. The young also are of 

 the usual type. When its nest is in danger the Tawny 

 Owl often displays considerable boldness. 



THE LONQ=EARED OWL 



(Asio otus). 

 Plate 62. 



As already mentioned, the Long-eared Owl is found 

 throughout the British Isles in suitable localities — even in 

 the Orkneys as a nester, and in the Shetlands as a 

 migrant. It is an arboreal species, and is a common 

 resident in most wooded districts. Over much of Scot- 

 land it is certainly the most numerously represented Owl, 

 and has, all things considered, some claim to be considered 

 the commonest British Owl, although outnumbered by 

 one or other of the preceding species in many districts. 



Nevertheless, it is by no means a familiar bird, and is 

 often considered very much less common than it really is. 

 This is chiefly owing to its comparative silence. It is a 

 woodland species and strictly nocturnal, and its weird 

 note ' Sheea,' with its curious whispering effect, much 

 more often than not passes unheard or unnoticed by 

 human beings. A short, barking note is also used at 

 times. 



The Long-eared Owl is one of our earliest nesters, and 

 clutches may be complete before the end of February. 

 They usually number from four to six, and the eggs are 

 of the usual white, oval type. The old nest of a Wood- 

 Pigeon, Crow, or Bird-of-Prey, or a Squirrel's di'ey, may 

 be used, and sometimes a slight lining is added. Eggs 



z 



