WHITE OR SCREECH-OWL. 1&5 



visiting the fens of Lincolnshire about the beginning 

 of October, retiring early in the spring; and thus, pro- 

 bably, as Mr. Pennant observes, performing its migra- 

 tions with the woodcock. Its summer retreat is Norway. 

 It conceals itself during the day, in long, old grass. 

 When disturbed, it seldom flies far at a time, but will 

 alight, and sit looking at the intruder. It has not been 

 observed to perch upon trees, like other Owls Farmers 

 are partial to these birds, from the circumstance of their 

 destroying great numbers of field-mice. They much 

 more frequently fly abroad in the day-time, than any 

 other Owls. 



They are about fourteen inches in length. The horns 

 are short, consisting only of a single feather each, which 

 is capable of being raised or depressed at pleasure. The 

 body is of a pale varied brown colour above, the feathers 

 edged with yellow, and of a pale yellow beneath, streaked 

 downward with dusky marks. The circle of feathers 

 that immediately surrounds the eyes, is black. The legs, 

 thighs, and toes, are covered with plain yellow fea- 

 thers. 



White or Screech Owl. From its solitary habits, its 

 frequenting churches, castles, and other old buildings, 

 and the screaming noise which it makes during flight, 

 this owl has been considered, by the superstitious, in a 

 most unfavourable point of view. And, as it frequently 

 approaches windows where there is a light in the room, 

 a circumstance which is usual in apartments of sick per- 

 sons, it has been justly remarked, that its voice may be 

 considered appalling by the weak and the timid. In its 

 repose, this Owl makes a blowing kind of noise, some- 

 what resembling the snoring of a human being. It is 

 entirely a nocturnal bird, feeding in the evening and 



