202 STRIGIDZ, OWLS.—GEN. 140, 141. 
rarely N. to New England. Wixs., vi, 57, pl. 50, f. 2; Nurt., i, 139; Aup., 
1, 127, pl. 834; Cass. in Bo., 47; Coor., 415. FLAMMEA Vit, AMERICANA, 
140. Genus BUBO Cuvier. 
Great Horned Owl. Distinguished by its large size, in connection with 
the conspicuous exr-tufts: the other species of similar dimensions are tuft- 
less. The plumage varies interminably, 
and no concise description will meet all 
its phases ; it is a variegation of blackish, 
with dark and light brown, and fulvous. 
A white collar is the most constant color- 
mark. Var. arcticus is the northern bird, 
very light colored, and frequently nearly 
white, like the snowy owl, in arctic speci- 
mens. Var. pacificus is a littoral form, 
very dark colored, with little fulvous, 
“extending from Oregon northward, 
coastwise, to Labrador.” (2idgway.) 
Facial disks complete; ear non-opercu- 
late; feet entirely feathered. Length 
about 2 feet, rather less than more; wing 
14-16 inches; tail 9-10. This powerful 
bird, only yielding to the great gray owl 
in size, and to none in spirit, is a common 
painters ase inhabitant of North America at large ; not 
} migratory ; breeds in late winter and early spring months, building a large 
nest of sticks, on the branches or in the hollows of trees; eggs white, 
nearly spherical, 24 by 1§. Whs., vii, 52, pl. 50, f. 1; Nurr., i, 124; 
Aup., i, 143, pl. 39; Cass. in Bp., 49; Coopr., 418. . .  VIRGINIANUS. 
141. Genus SCOPS Savigny. 
* Toes bristly. 
Screech Owl. Red Owl. Mottled Owl. ike a miniature Ludo in form ; 
8 or 10 inches long; wing 6-7; tail 3-34. One plumage : — General aspect 
. eray, paler or whitish below, above speckled with blackish, below patched 
4) with the same; wings and tail dark-barred ; usually a lightish scapular area: 
Another : — General aspect brownish-red, with sharp black streaks ; below, 
rufous-white, variegated ; quills and tail with rufous and dark bars. These 
plumages shade insensibly into each other, and it has been determined that 
they bear no definite relations to age, sex, or season. Parallel varia-. 
tions occur in some other species. North America at large; one of the 
most abundant species. Wits., iii, 16, pl. 19, f. 1; v, 83, pl. 42, f. 1; 
} Nurtt., i, 120; Avp., i, 147, pl. 40; Cass. in Bp., 51; Coopr., 420. ~asio. 
