408 BIRDS OF ILLINOIS. 



Probably no land bird has so extensi-ve a range as the present 

 species, occurring as it does throughout all the grand divisions of 

 the earth's surface, except Australia, and also on many of the 

 Polynesian islands. In America it is found everywhere in suitable 

 localities, from Alaska and Greenland to Cape Horn. 



Notwithstanding the fact that this species has an almost cosmo- 

 pohtan range (the Australian region being almost the only part of 

 the world where it is wanting), and also that great variations are 

 noticeable in the plumage of the different individuals, I am con- 

 vinced of the futility of any attempt to separate, as races even, 

 the birds from different countries. In this connection the reader is 

 referred to Vol. IV., of the "Proceedings" of the U. S. National 

 Museum, pp. 366-371, where the subject is treated in detail. 



In IlUnois the Short-eared Owl occurs in all open grassy situations, 

 either as a winter visitant or resident, and is particularly common 

 on the prairies. Mr. Nelson says (in Bull. Essex Inst. Vol. VIII., p. 

 117,) the following of it as observed by him in the northeastern por- 

 tion of the State : 



"The most abundant species of the family. Arrives from the 

 north in large numbers the first of November, and disperses through 

 the State. They are common everywhere, on prairies and marshes, 

 during the winter. Eemain concealed in a bunch of grass or reeds 

 until about two o'clock p. m., when they commence flying low over 

 the ground in search of their prey. When approached, while stand- 

 ing on the ground, they crouch and try to escape observation, much 

 in the manner of the Burrowing Owl. They are very harmless, and 

 are easily tamed." 



Genus SYRNIUM- Savignt. 



Syrnium Satignt, Dese. de I'Egypte, 1809,298, et Auciobum. Type (by elimination), S. 

 stridula'Lisit.,=S. ahico Linn. 



Gen. Chab. Size varying from medium to very large. No ear-tufts. Head very 

 large; the eyes comparatively small. Five outer primaries, with their inner webs sinu- 

 ated. Tarsi and npper portion of the toes densely clothed with hair-like feathers— the 

 toes, however, sometimes entirely naked. Tail considerably more than halt as long as 

 the wing, decidedly rounded. Ear orifice very high, but not as high as the skull, and 

 furnished with an anterior operculum, which does not usually extend along the full 

 length; the two ears asymmetrical. Bill yellow. 



