FOOD OF THE LONG - EARED OWL 



185 



the examination of some 225 pellets of the Long-eared Owl which 

 were examined by Dr. Alexander Wetmore. The pellets were col- 

 Icted at Marshalltown, April 3, 1913, and give a very accurate and 

 interesting idea of the menu of these valuable owls. The following 

 is the list as reported : Song Sparrow, 4 ; Robin, 1 ; Little Shrew, 2 ; 

 Short-tailed Shrew, 5 ; House Mouse, 3 ; Northern White-footed 

 Mouse, 89; Meadow Mouse, 70; Prairie Meadow Mouse, 18. This 

 shows a total of 187 small mammals, as against five birds, these mam- 

 mals being some of the most annoying pests we have in the state. 



Fig. 76. Map showing the distribution in Iowa of the Long-eared Owl. 



