376 
is composed of grass, hay and feathers. The eggs are of a pure white, 
nearly round, as are those of all owls with which we are acquainted, and 
four in number. A hollow apple tree is sometimes selected as the nesting 
place. 
This bird is strictly a night-flier, and its whole aspect is changed when 
the shades of evening fall. Instead of the solemn appearance which it 
exhibits in day-time, there is the greatest activity and energy. 
Length from nine to ten inches. 
Specimens in the Museum of the Cleveland Academy of Natural Science, 
Genus Orus—Cuvier. 
Head moderate, with erectile ear-tufts of various sizes in different species; 
bill short, curved from the base, almost concealed by the bristle-like erect 
feathers; facial disc nearly perfect; wings rather long, the second and 
third quills being longest; tail of moderate length; eyes rather small; legs 
long; tarsze and toes densely feathered; claws long, curved and sharp. 
OTUS BRACHYOTUS—VForster—THE SHORT-EARED OWL. 
Audubon’s Birds of Amer., oct. ed., I, pl. 88; Wilson’s Amer. Orn., 
IVE "pl ds, neo, Derkay s Nat. Elist, NOY. “Biras, pl. 12, nes 7. 
The Short-eared Owl is a very common species in Ohio during the win- 
ter, and may also be found in its favorite haunts in the neighborhood of 
rivers and swamps during the whole year, and is believed to breed in the 
swamps of Sandusky. Its food, in all probability, consists of small quad- 
rupeds, and perchance an occasional small bird, but of the latter we have 
no evidence. Its small eyes, however, and the habit gf flying about dur- 
ing twilight and cloudy weather, shows that it is better adapted to pursue 
its prey during the day than most of its congeners. Occasionally, this 
owl may be seen in considerable numbers on low lands and wet meadows 
during the fall and winter, and may generally be found upon the ground, 
or on low bushes or fences. We obtained a specimen several years ago 
from the border of the Horseshoe Pond, beneath the University Heights, 
and close by the Cuyahoga River, that is now before us. It is a female in 
mature plumage, and answers the description given by both Audubon and 
Cassin. The ear-tufts are short, and not likely to be observed, unless . 
erected; the bill short, curved, and almost covered by the bristles; wings 
extend two inches beyond the tip of the tail, the second quill the largest; 
tail of moderate length; tarsse and toes densely feathered; entire plu- 
