248 BRITISH BIRDS' NESTS. 



throughout the British Isles,, but scarce in the 

 Highlands, Orkneys, and Shetlands. I have found 

 more eggs and young belonging to this species in 

 hollow trees than any other kind of situation. Our 

 full-page illustration represents a hollow tree at 

 Shenley, in Hertfordshire, in which a pair of Barn 

 Owls have nested for many years. 



Materials. None usually, except the pellets of 

 undigested parts of small birds and mice ; how- 



YOUNG BARN OWLS 



ever, in some situations a few sticks or twigs and 

 other materials, such as straws, wool, and hair in 

 small quantities, are said to be used. 



Eggs. Two to six ; white, without polish or 

 markings of any kind. The bird commences to sit as 

 soon as she has laid one or two eggs, and keeps on 

 laying at intervals as incubation advances, so that 

 the young in the same nest may often be found in 

 various stages of development. Average size about 

 1.6 by 1.25 in. Their smaller size distinguishes 

 them from those of the Tawny Owl, and their 

 situation from those of both species of Horned Owls. 



