THE LONG - EARED OWL 



183 



Fig. 75. The Long-eared Owl. 



Family STRIGIDAE. Horned Owls, Etc. 

 Genus Asio Brisson. 



24. ASIO WILSONIANUS (Lesson). 366. 

 Long-eared Owl. 



Field Characters. A medium sized, dark colored owl with very 

 long ear tufts and yellow eyes. These owls are not often seen in the 

 daytime even when they are fairly common. 



Description. Above, blackish brown and white, mottled; tail 

 barred six to eight times with black. Feathers about the eyes buffy 

 and black-tipped. Below, buffy and white, streaked on breast, and 

 barred on sides and belly with brownish black. Eyes yellow. Ear- 

 tufts very long. 



Measurements. Length, 14 to 16 inches; wing, 11 to 12 inches; 

 tail, about 6 inches. 



Range. Temperate North America, breeding throughout most of 

 its range. 



