162 



THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



This little Owl is mild and gentle in disposition while in captivity 

 and makes an interesting pet. It will soon allow itself to be handled, 

 and is particularly fond of having its head gently scratched. 



Although seldom known to hunt during the daytime, there are ex- 

 ceptions, as in the case occurring near Washington, D. C, where Mr. J. 

 D. Figgins killed a specimen which was feeding on a junco and sur- 

 rounded by a mob of small birds. (Auk, vol. vi, 1889, p. 189.) 



The note of this species is peculiar and has a rasping character, resem. 

 bling the sound made when a large-toothed saw is being filed; hence 

 tlie name. It is more often heard during March and early April, 

 though occasionally it is heard at other times of the year. 



The flight resembles that of the woodcock very closely, so much so 

 in fact, that the writer once killed a specimen as it was flying over the 

 alders, and not until the dog pointed the dead bird was he aware of 

 his mistake. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Smallest Owl of the eastern United States; no ear tnfts; wing less 

 than 6 inches (152'»"») ; tail less than 3.50 inches (88«"") ; above, brown, 

 more or less spotted with white ; beneath white, striped with reddish 

 brown. 



Length: 7.25 to 8.50 inches (183 to 215"'"'); wing, 5.25 to 5.90 inches 

 (133 to 149'"'"); tail, 2.80 to 3.25 inches (70 to 82'"'"). 



Table showing the results of examinations of 2i 



(Xyctalfl aeadica). 



stomachs of the Saw-whet Owl 



Summary. — Of 22 stomachs examined, 17 contained mice; 1, a bird; 1, an insect; and 3 were empty. 



