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Ringdove, and perhaps that of the Squirrel, in a Scotch or 
Spruce fir tree, on which, after flattening and sometimes lining 
with a few feathers, are deposited its two or three beautifully 
white eggs. It is curious to observe how flat they invariably 
make their nests, so much so, that in even a slight wind, it is 
difficult to conceive how the eggs retain their position when the 
parent bird leaves them.” ‘This species, however, is one of 
those, of which the female begins to sit, from the moment she 
lays the first ege, and a great difference in the ages of the 
young, is generally observable. 
Macgillivray tells us that “it generally appropriates the 
deserted nest of a Rook or other large bird, but sometimes 
forms one for itself, and lays from three to five eggs, which are 
elliptical, 1°75 in length by 1°33 in breadth, smooth and of a 
pure white colour.” 
This species is not entirely nocturnal, nor does it confine its 
depredations entirely to moles, mice and insects. Mr. Tuke 
already quoted, remarks :— 
“We have met this species in the woods, sailing quietly 
along, as if hawking, on a bright sunny day, and invariably 
found in or around the nest, feathers and other remains of the 
winged race. In one case, a freshly killed Chaflinch, in another 
the wing of a Snipe, and several smaller birds and in a pellet 
the indigestible pad of a young Hare or Rabbit.” 
Of the distribution of this species in India, Dr. Jerdon says 
in epist, “The long-eared Owl is by no means rare in low 
jungles near Delhi, and thence through the Punjab, during the 
cold weather. I always found several together.” 
I can confirm this, having received a specimen killed at 
Bhoondsee, Zillah Gourgaon, and another from near Hansee, both 
killed in the cold weather. They are far from uncommon about 
Darjeeling, at any rate during the early part of the cold weather ; 
whether they remain in the Himalayahs throughout the year I 
cannot say, but I received a specimen killed near Narkunda in 
June, and Dr. Stoliczka notices their being found in the forests 
near Nachar. 
Out of India, this species appears to be found throughout 
Europe, Northern Asia, and the northern and central portions 
of North America.* It occurs in Northern Africa including 
Egypt, Asia Minor, and Afghanistan, and specimens from 
Hakodadi (Japan) are said to be absolutely identical with 
European ones. 
* Some writers have separated the American race, but the birds appear to 
be identical. 
