43 
So DEACHYOTUS PALUSTRIS; jx); 0, © 4. « Wola d. Pl. XXL 
SHORT-EARED OwL. 
This is both a resident and a migratory species; for, although it 
breeds in many parts of the British Islands, particularly in Scotland, 
great numbers arrive in autumn, at the same time that the Woodcock 
appears ; and hence it is known in some of our counties by the name 
of the Woodcock-Owl. Full particulars will be found in the pages 
of letterpress opposite the plate. 
Inhabits the moorlands and not the woods, lives upon small qua- 
drupeds and the young of the Grouse and other birds frequenting 
similar districts. In Norway it feeds upon lemming; it doubtless 
eats lizards also; and insects probably form part of its diet. Mr. 
Robert Gray states that in the west of Scotland he has seen this bird 
“hawking for prey in dull weather at midday over turnip-fields, 
looking probably for field-mice, which in the autumn months become 
rather numerous in some places. This Owl, indeed, may be looked 
upon as a useful friend to the farmer in the localities it frequents.” 
Genus Scoprs. 
Several members of this genus inhabit the northern portions of 
the Old World ; and others are found in the New. They are gene- 
rally very prettily ornamented; and their bright yellow eyes, con- 
spicuous ear-tufts, and the harmoniously blended grey and brown 
moth-like markings of their plumage render them objects of especial 
interest. 
OM SCORSEZORC A meuur sl icuu eri i] cisiese toe Let cae BVO AL aga eXeXexaT ae 
Scors Own. 
As is the case with many other species of birds, it is difficult to 
define what is the proper home of this beautiful little Owl; but we 
may with certainty state that it is common in France and all the 
southern states of Europe. Although it may occasionally breed in 
England (and Mr. Harting has enumerated twenty instances of its 
occurrence), it can only be regarded as one of our chance visitors. 
Mr. Robert Gray remarks :—‘“ It is a somewhat curious feature 
in the history of the Scops Eared Owl that it lives wholly upon in- 
sects. It is therefore, in temperate countries, strictly migratory in 
its habits; and in France, where it is not uncommon, it is said to 
come and go with the Swallow.” 
40. Scors aso. 
Mottled Owl. 
A native of North America and Canada, which it is necessary 
to notice because it is said to have been twice killed in this country ; 
but, as Mr. Harting remarks, ‘its occurrence in England must be 
considered doubtful.” 
“This small North-American species,” says Mr. Stevenson, “ was 
