SHORT-EARED OWL 35 
is possessed by most species; also to its better 
sight in the daytime, and to its wandering dis- 
position, which enables it to escape a threatened 
famine, and to seize on unoccupied or favourable 
ground, 
The bird loves an open country, and sits by day 
on the ground concealed amongst the herbage or 
tall grass. An hour before sunset it quits its hiding- 
place and is seen perched on a bush or tall stalk, or 
sailing about a few feet above the ground with a 
singularly slow, heron-like flight; and at intervals 
while flying it smites its wings together under its 
breast in a quick, sudden manner. It is not at all shy, 
the intrusion of a man or dog in the field it frequents 
only having the effect of exciting its indignation. 
An imitation of its cry will attract all the individuals 
- within hearing about a person, and any loud unusual 
sound, like the report of a gun, produces the same 
effect. When alarmed or angry it utters a loud hiss, 
and at times a shrill laugh-like cry. It also has a 
dismal scream, not often heard; and at twilight 
hoots, this part of its vocal performance sounding 
not unlike the distant baying of a mastiff or a blood- 
hound. It breeds on the ground, clearing a circular 
spot, and sometimes, but not often, lining it with 
a scanty bed of dry grass. The eggs are three to five, 
white, and nearly spherical. 
The Short-eared Owl was formerly common 
everywhere on the pampas, where the coarse indi- 
genous grasses afforded the shelter and conditions 
best suited to it. When in time this old rough 
