154 HAWK OWL— DAY OWL. 



alike, but perhaps the colors of the female are less intense. I 

 have met two remarkably light or pale-colored individuals, indeed 

 almost approaching albinism ; but these are probably of extremely 

 rare occurrence. In nearly all the species of Owls, however, 

 common to North America, we find the same whitish or pale- 

 colored individuals. Age may have more to do with these 

 occasional forms than is at present suspected. 



With this Hawk-like Owl I close ni)- review of the Family 

 Strigid.b. Ten species have been described as occurring in or 

 inhabiting Canada, and it is not probable that any more will be 

 discovered. Species in a country so well traversed as ours do not 

 spring into existence suddenly, and any that could have escaped 

 the notice ot our prying naturalists for so long a time must indeed 

 be rare and remarkable birds. To such, when discovered, I shall 

 be happy to devote an entire work. For the present, however, 

 our young naturalists and the public generally may feel assured 

 that these ten species represent all the Owls of Canada. But we 

 have much more to learn about these. We really know but little 

 respecting the nidification of any them, and there is not a collection 

 in Canada that can boast of anything like a complete set of their 

 eggs. We have also much to learn respecting the immature 

 stages of these birds, and of the peculiar forms at present attributed 

 to melcniism and albinism. In conclusion, then, I would direct 

 the special attention of students and collectors to this retiring 

 and unobtrusive Family, for although the individuals composing 

 it are " only Owls," still these afford one of the most interesting 

 fields of study to be found in the whole domain of Ornithology. 



