ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 175 
BARRED OWL. 
nests were found within a comparatively small tract of country. 
Their economic value may be estimated from the contents of one 
hundred and one stomachs, eighty-four of which contained mice 
and shrews; seven, insects ; and eleven, small birds. 
They are said to have a shrill, barking call, like the yelp of a 
small dog. A low pile of sticks and grass hidden on the ground 
and lined with feathers serves to hold the half dozen eggs. 
GROUP III.—BARRED OWLS, Syrnium. 
The Barred or Hoot Owl, Syrniwm varium (Barton), is not un- 
common in the wilder parts of our northeastern states throughout 
the year, and its large size, lack of feather horns, and deep impres- 
sive voice render it easy of identification. As soon as dusk has 
