49 BIRDS OF SOMERSETSITIRE. 
with mottled grey and white; quills much the 
same; breast, in one specimen slightly tinged 
with yellowish buff, in the other pure white; 
rest of the under parts pure white, with a few 
brown specks; tarsus feathered, white; toes bare, 
except a few long dirty white hairs on the upper 
parts; claws brown. Yarrell notices the yellowish, 
or, as he ealls it, fawn-coloured, tint on the breast 
of some specimens, which, he says, on dissection 
generally prove to be females or young males. 
The eggs of this species, which much resemble 
those of the two last, are quite white; length about 
an inch and a half, and breadth about a quarter of 
an inch less. 
Brown or Tawny Own, Syrnium stridula. A more 
common species in these parts than the last, though, 
owing to its duller colouring and more retired habits, 
not so frequently seen. It is resident with us, and 
chiefly inhabits thick woods and plantations of ever- 
greens. 
‘Lhe food of this species embraces a greater variety 
than that of the Barn Owl, as besides mice its 
dietary-table includes moles, frogs, beetles and other 
large insects; occasionally also young hares and 
rabbits. Yarrell adds fish to the list of food, saying 
that this bird is able to catch either those that swim 
near the surface in deep water, or such as are found 
in the shallowest parts of small streams. One I kept 
tame showed also, at a very tender age, a decided 
