STRIGID.E — THE OWLS. 



71 



dant in some years than in others. Indivi(U;al specimens have been occa- 

 sionally noticed as far south as South Carolina, but very rarely. It has 

 also been observed in Kentucky, Ohio, the Bermuda Islands, and in nearly 

 every part of the United States. 



In the Arctic regions of North America and in Greenland it is quite 

 abundant, and has been observed as far to the north as Arctic voyagers have 

 vet reached. Professor Eeinhardt states that it is much more numerous in the 

 northern than in the southern part of Greenland. Sir John Richardson, who, 

 during seven years' residence in the Arctic regions, enjoyed unusual oppor- 



Nyctea scandlaca 



tunities for studying the habits of this Owl, says that it hunts its prey in the 

 daytime. It is generally found on the Barren Grounds, but is always so wary 

 as to be approached with difficulty. In the wooded districts it is less cautious. 



Mr. Downes states that this Owl is very abundant in Nova Scotia in win- 

 ter, and that it is known to breed in the neighboring province of Newfound- 

 land. In some years it appears to traverse the country in large flocks. In 

 the winter of 1861-62, he adds, these birds made their appearance in Canada 

 in large nundiers. 



Mr. Boardman states that they are present in winter in the vicinity of 

 Calais, but that they are not common. A i:»air was noticed in the spring of 



