Large Nests in Trees 
These beautiful birds are fairly abundant in southern Florida ; 
and though they sometimes come near the smaller towns, it is 
only when there is some special attraction, such as a slaughter- 
house, that they assemble with the flocks of turkey vultures. 
More often they frequent the somewhat open country, away from 
human _ habitation. 
The breeding season begins in early March. 
364. American Osprey; Fish Hawk: Pandion haliaetus 
carolinensis (Gmel.) 
Adult 6—Upper parts grayish brown, with more or less white 
markings on top of head ; under parts white, sometimes 
marked with dark gray or brown. Length—23.10. 
Adult 2—Has the breast invariably spotted. 
Breeding Range—Throughout North America, chiefly along the 
sea-coast. 
The nest, which is very large, is made of sticks, sea-weed, 
and various other materials, depending on locality. It is placed 
in trees, either dead or alive, on stumps, and on almost any avail- 
able place, and is used for succeeding years. Several nests are 
usually to be found near together. Seldom more than 3 eggs are 
laid, 4 being an uncommon number. They vary very greatly 
both in their ground colour and markings ; in some the dark red- 
dish-brown blotches completely cover the ground colour, while 
in others the whitish ground colour is almost immaculate ; usu- 
ally the markings are fairly heavy. Size—2.40 x 1.75. See Fig. 
2, Plate A. 
366. American Long-eared Owl: Asio wilsonianus 
(Less.) 
4dult—Upper parts dark brown, finely mottled with white, with 
some buff showing ; under parts white, buff, and dark gray- 
ish brown, streaked on the breast and barred on the belly. 
Ear tufts about one inch long. Length—14.8o. 
Breeding Range—Throughout the United States. 
The nest is seldom made by the birds themselves ; usually a 
crow’s or squirrel’s nest is used, some small work in the way of 
repairing being done, and a few feathers and leaves added. 3 to 
6 white eggs are laid. Size—1.60 x 1.32. 
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