342 PAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 
They have several times been captured on the islands of Bos- 
ton Harbor, and I am quite confident of having seen one fly 
over the city. They may also be met with further inland, 
where they feed upon quadrupeds and birds. They hunt chiefly 
during the day, or just after sunset, and, instead of pouncing 
upon other birds, often pursue them on wing, thus resembling 
the hawks. As they feed upon grouse (or even, it is said, 
upon ducks and pigeons),.they evidently possess great speed of 
flight. Owing to their size and handsome plumage, they are 
striking objects in winter-scenery, though often rendered in- 
conspicuous by their likeness to the snow and ice. Though 
spirited, they exhibit much less ferocity than the Great Horned 
Owls, and are said to be more tractable as pets. 
(d). Wilson says of this species that ‘‘its voice is so dismal 
that, as Pennant observes, it adds horror even to the regions 
of Greenland by its hideous cries, resembling those of a man 
in deep distress.” The same author, in describing the method 
of fishing pursued by this owl, says: ‘‘Unlike most of his 
tribe he hunts by day as well as by twilight, and is particu- 
larly fond of frequenting the shores and banks of shallow 
rivers, over the surface of which he slowly sails, or sits ona 
rock a little raised above the water watching for fish. These 
he seizes with a sudden and instantaneous stroke of the foot, 
seldom missing his aim.” 
VII. SURNIA 
(A) vULULA (var. HUDSONIA). (American) Hawk Owl. Day 
Owl. 
(A winter-visitant to Massachusetts of rare occurrence.) 
(a). About sixteen inches long. General colors, dark brown 
and white, the former predominating above. Wings, tail, and 
under parts barred, but throat streaked.’ Face partly bordered 
by black, and narrow, approaching the hawk-type. 
(b). ‘The nest is built in trees. The eggs, six in number, 
are white, and average about 1°50 X 1:25 of an inch.” 
(c). No other families of birds present such difficulties to 
the naturalist and biographer as the hawks and owls. Their 
