SHORT-EARED OWL 
367. Asio flammeus. 15.5 it. 
Ear tufts very short; general color buffy, not nearly 
as brown nor as dark as the last species usually is. 
They are not nearly as nocturnal as most of the owls, 
and most of their hunting is done about dusk, when 
they may be seen flying close to the ground over marshes 
or low land. Their flight is perfectly silent, which aids 
them in securing their prey of field mice, which they 
usually get without stopping in their flight, just swoop- 
ing Agar. extending their long legs. acid with wicked 
little claws s, and it is all over with the little rodent, he 
being carried to a nearby stump, and devoured, fur, 
bones and all. 
Notes.—A very short, shrill ery, evidently their call 
note, and a low clucking uttered as they swoop over 
your head; besides the usual snapping of the bill. 
Nest.—On the ground, usually in marshes; the four 
to seven eggs are pure white. (1.55 x 1.25). 
Range.—Breeds locally from the Gulf to the Arctic 
regions; winters throughout the United States. 
