42 BRITISH BIRDS, THEIR EGGS AND NESTS. 
noticeable connection between the Harriers and the Owls, so 
the eggs of the former seem to hint at something of the same 
kind. The merry-thought and breast-bone of the Harriers are 
vastly less strong and solid than those of the true Falcons; and, 
so to speak, intermediate in such respects between these and 
those of the truest Owl, while the eggs are colourless or nearly 
so, and so approach again to the Owl type. 
94. EAGLE OWL.—(Bubo maximus.) 
This noble bird, the first on our list of British Owls, is so 
occasionally and irregularly seen in Britain, that it can scarcely 
claim lengthened notice at our hands. 
25. SCOPS EARED OWL.—(Scops Aldrovandt). 
Almost, or rather certainly, more rare than the preceding. 
96. LONG-EARED OWL.— (Otus vulgaris). 
Met with, though not very abundantly, in most parts of 
England. Its haunt during the day time is in ivy bushes, or 
other retreats affording security fromthe access of much light, 
its nest is most frequently an appropriated old nest of the Crow 
or Magpie; perhaps even what was once the breeding-home of the 
Squirrel; and in it are laid four or five eggs 122 inch long, by 
13, inch broad. It seeks its prey after sunset; andas birds of 
various kinds are known to form part of its food, it seems almost 
certain that they must be taken as they sit at roost. What sad 
bug-a-boos Horned Owls must be made to offending juveniles in 
little-bird nurseries. 
27. SHORT-EARED OWL—(Otus brachyotus). 
Woodcock Owl, Short-horned Howlet, Mousehawk, Hawk 
Owl. It breeds with us, but not very commonly, and many 
seem to come over in the autumn, and they are then frequently 
seen in a stubble, or otherwise roused by the sportsman. Its 
