586 EAPTOEES, OE BIEDS OF PEET. 



monly called the "Wood Owl. One of its names is derived 

 from its cry, hoo-oo-oo ! whicli resembles the howling of a 

 wolf, and caused the Romans to call it Ululci, from ululare, to 

 howl. 



The Tawny Owl has a large head, and is about fourteen inches 

 in height. It inhabits the woods during the summer, and conceals 

 itself in the thickest bushes or the old trunks of trees. It remains 

 hidden all day, only going out in the morning and evening 

 to hunt small birds and field-mice, its favourite prey. In the 

 winter it approaches human habitations, and even ventures into 

 barns to catch rats and mice ; but it retires to its hiding-place as 

 soon as day begins to dawn. 



At the beginning of autumn, the education of its young 

 ones being completed, this bird takes up its abode in damp 

 places, where it can catch frogs and reptiles, to which it is 

 very partial. During that season Woodcock shooters often flush 

 them. 



Like man}^ individuals of the same family, the Barn Owl will 

 lay its eggs in strange nests, such as those of Eavens, Magpies, and 

 Buzzards, or even in a dovecot. The young ones are very voracious. 

 Before they are strong enough to stand upon their feet they will 

 support themselves on their stomachs, and, holding their prey in 

 their claws, tear it to pieces with their bills ; when they become 

 stronger, they stand on one leg, and use the other to convey food 

 to their mouths. 



This Owl has a gentle disposition, and is easily tamed ; it knows 

 its master perfectly w^ell, and calls to him for food by uttering 

 low cries. It is found scattered all over Europe, and frequently 

 in Scotland. 



As stormy weather has a great effect on animals' calling, and 

 this dark variety is more frequently found in northern and stormy 

 regions than the lighter-coloured, many authorities erroneously 

 consider the Screech and Barn Owls different birds. 



The Common Barn Owl is found over a great portion of Europe, 

 but in France it is rare. There are several varieties of this bird; 

 the one best known in England has the following characteristics : 

 — Its plumage is agreeably variegated with yellow, white, grey, 

 and brown, and is more pleasing than that of any of the other 



