133 
Economic Status. Of 19 stomachs examined, 1 contained a sparrow; 
17, mice; and1,amoth. With this record the species should be given pro- 
tection. 
373. Screech Owl. FR.—LE HIBOU MACUL. Otus asio. L, 9-40. Plate XVI A. 
Distinctions. The species is dichromatic, that is, it occurs in two well marked colour 
forms irrespective of sex, age, or season. One form is rich brown with shades of grey and 
white, and the other has the grey replaced by bright rufous. The plumage pattern of 
each is the same. Many intermediate stages occur. In apparent size it comes between 
Richardson’s and the Saw-whet Owls, but the presence of well-defined horns from the 
sides of the crown and the sharply defined figures of its colour pattern are characteristic. 
Field Marks. Size, and the distinct horns are the best field guides. 
Nesting. In hollow trees. 
Distribution. All temperate North America. Breeds in Canada wherever found. 
SUBSPECIES. The Screech Owl is divided into a great number of subspecies, some 
nine geographical races being recognized in North America by the American Ornitholo- 
gists’ Union check-list. The only one found in eastern Canada, however, is the type form 
—the Eastern Screech Owl. 
Although called the “Screech Owl’’, the notes of this bird are melo- 
dious and soothing with a tinge of melancholy, and contain nothing harsh 
or grating. The most common call is a long, soft, tremolo whistle on a 
descending or even scale. Occasionally it consists of low croons, gurgles, 
and other quiet and conversational notes. Although inoffensive, these 
small birds show surprising courage in defence of their young. At night 
they will sweep down on the head of an intruder with a startling, hollow- 
sounding ‘‘whoo-whoo”’ and snapping of the bill. Just before striking, 
however, they wheel away to gather momentum for a return. Such 
attacks while disconcerting are far from dangerous. The habit of nesting 
in old hollow apple trees on the farm where its mousing is of the most 
immediate importance makes this bird most valuable to the husbandman. 
Economic Status. The official finding on the food of the Screech Owl 
is warrant for its protection. Of 212 stomachs examined, 1 contained 
poultry; 38, other birds; 91, mice; 11, other mammals; 2, lizards; 4, frogs 
and toads; 1, fish; 100, insects; 5, spiders; 9, crawfish; 7, miscellaneous; 
2,scorpions; and 2,earth worms. The poultry item must be regarded as an 
accidental occurrence, as the bird represented, a pigeon, would be ex- 
ceedingly large prey for this bird. 
375. Great Horned Owl. FR.—LE DUC DE VIRGINIE. Bubo virginianus. L, 22. 
Plate XVI B. 
Distinctions. Our only owl over 15 inches in length wearing horns. Its ochraceous, 
and black and white coloration is distinctive. 
Field Marks. large size, ochraceous colour, and prominent ear tufts. 
Nesting. Usually in abandoned hawks’ nests or in hollow trees. 
Distribution. In various subspecies the Great Horned Owl ranges over all of 
North America. The ranges of the subspecies in Canada are sufficiently indicated by 
their names. 
SUBSPECIES. The Great Horned Owls of North America are split up into a 
great number of geographical races or subspecies, some of which occur as migrants in 
eastern Canada. The Arctic form B. v. subarcticus is nearly white in colour with the 
ochre and rufous of the common variety almost absent and the black pattern much reduced. 
The Western Horned Owl B. v. pallescens is about intermediate between the Arctic and 
the Eastern Horned Owl, the type form shown in the illustration. The Labrador Horned 
Owl B. ». heterocnemis is a very dark form. As these intergrade with each other indis- 
tinguishably and overlap in range in migration, exact subspecies designations should only 
be made with great care and, except in extreme plumages, only after comparison with 
duly authenticated specimens. 
