550 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
moment when his attention was diverted. These parental attentions 
ceased in the month of August, when the young bird became capable 
of providing for itself. 
The Great Owl, which is common in Switzerland and Italy, in- 
habits also Asia. It is not often met with in France, except in the 
eastern and southern departments, where it rarely remains during 
winter. | 
A variety of this species is very common in Egypt, and is some- 
times seen in the south of Sardinia and Sicily. 
The Virginian Eared Owl (Budo virginianus, Fig. 255) inhabits 
North America. This bird is nearly the size of the Great Owl of 
Europe. It is distinguished from the latter by a different arrange- 
ment of the feathered projections on its head, which, instead of 
starting from the ears, take their rise close above the bill. This bird 
feeds on young Gallinaceze, which it boldly carries off from the very 
midst of the poultry-yards ; to the Turkey it is especially destructive. 
When other food fails, it feeds on dead fish. If caught when young 
it is easily tamed, but as it gets mature its bloodthirsty instincts 
become so powerful that it ultimately proves a most expensive pet. 
The Long-eared Owl (O¢us vulgaris) is more sociable than most 
nocturnal birds of prey, and is often met with in the north of France 
and England. Its habitat is not confined, for it is to be found in 
Asia, Africa, and America. It is not large, for it seldom exceeds 
fifteen inches in length ; nevertheless, it is possessed of great courage, 
and attacks successfully birds and mammals of considerable size. Its 
appetite appears insatiable. ‘The general colour varies from pale to 
daik brown, marked with dark pencillings. Any nest, even that of 
the squirrel, suits its fancy, in which it lays four or five white eggs. 
Although so bloodthirsty, it is easily tamed. 
The Short-eared Owl (Otus brachyotius) is about a foot in height. 
The horns of this species are much shorter than those of the Long- 
eared Owl. Its length is about fifteen inches ; in its plumage russet 
predominates, shaded with grey and brown. It has a blackish bill 
and claws, and beautiful yellow eyes. It inhabits hollows in rocks 
or dead trees, and old ruined houses, and sometimes instals itself in 
nests left vacant by Magpies, Ravens, and Buzzards. It is much less 
timid than the Long-eared Owl, and does not possess a protracted 
flight. 
This Owl being very fond of mice, which form its principal food, 
all that is requisite to attract it to a snare is to imitate the cry of 
these rodents. It also feeds on moles, and, in cases of emergency, 
even on frogs, toads, leverets, and young rabbits. Its nest has been 
