180 



BiKDS OF XOKTH CAROLINA 



It is not exclusively noctunuil, ami on cloudy days may often be found abroad. It 

 roosts on the ground. 



On account of the number of rats and mice which it destroys it is well worthy 

 of the fullest protection. 



Fiu. i:!'.i, Shobteareu Owl. 



Genus Strix (Linn.) 

 163. Strix varia varia {Bnrlon). B.\kred Owl; "Hoot Owl." 



Dcucriplion. — Olive brown, l);uT«l with whitisli above; breast barred, belly streaked. 

 W., 13.00; T., 8..50. 



Range. — Eastern North America. 



Range in North Carolina. — Whole State at all seasons. 



L., 19.00; 



The Barred Owl is a connnon resident throuRliout the State, and early in spring 

 before nesting begins, it may freciuently be heard liooting even in the daytime. It 

 becomes quite noisy again later in the year when the young have left the nest. Its 

 favorite haunts are wooded lowlands. 



The eggs are laid in the hollows of trees, no nest being constructed. The nesting 

 season at Raleigh appears to be in March or early April. The eggs are usually 

 two ill number, and, like all owl's eggs, are i)ure white. 



Like most species of hawks and owls, it feeds maiidy on various kinds of rats 

 and mice, occasionally killing birds, and still less often roblnng the farmer's poultry- 

 yard. However, as farmers generally keci) their chickens under cover at night, the 

 hen roost is seldom disturbed by tlie Harred ( )wl. 



It is probal)lc that the owLs of this species found in suinnicr in the southeastern part of the 

 State may, upon clo.ser study, prove to be tlie southern variety known as the Florida Harred 

 Owl, Slrix varia ulleni (llidgw.). 



