HORNED OWLS—Family Bubonide 
AMERICAN LONG-EARED OWL 
366. Asio wilsonianus. 15 in. 
This species can readily be distinguished from the 
next, which is the only one of the same size, by its long 
ear tufts; it is also darker, and the markings on the 
breast are largely in the form of bars. In the northern 
portions of the United States, this species is probably 
the most abundant of owls, excepting the little Screech 
Owl. It is often quite common, where its presence is 
little suspected, because, unless disturbed, it flies only 
at night and is a rather silent species. During the 
daytime it is usually sitting upright in the dense tops 
of evergreen trees. Crows often discover them, and pro- 
claim their hiding place to the whole neighborhood by 
their incessant cawing. Owls of all kinds are in dis- 
favor with crows. 
Notes.—A soft-toned ‘‘wo-hunk, wo-hunk.” (Bendire.) 
Nest.—They lay from four to seven pure white eggs, 
usually in old crow nests. 
Range.—Resident from the Gulf to Nova Scotia and 
Manitoba. 
