SOMERSET HILLS 65 



called a '' Hoot Owl," is probably the 

 Screech Owl (Plate 18, p. 131). It is 

 not very large, has ear tufts, and there 

 are two very different color phases: 

 some of the birds being grayish, while 

 others are bright reddish-brown. Dur- 

 ing the day these Owls roost in holes in 

 trees, apple-trees very often being 

 chosen. The Screech Owl is of eco- 

 nomic value, for it destroys large num- 

 bers of grasshoppers and other insects 

 and mice. Its call is a shrill trill, when 

 heard close by, but at a distance it is only 

 a low, murmuring and wavering trill. 



Sharp-shinned Hawk 



This Hawk (Plate 18, p. 131) is 

 wood-loving, rarely sailing out into the 

 open. It quietly flies through the woods, 

 watching for its prey, which consists 

 largely of small birds. It also eats mice 

 and insects. It is not one of the large 



