204 THE RAPTORIAL BIRDS OF IOWA 



The Saw-whet Owl is the -smallest species found in Iowa ; and both 

 on account of its small size -and inconspicuous coloration, it is the 

 least observed of all our owls. The writer's first acquaintance with 

 this diminutive owl was on a Thanksgiving morning many years ago 

 when during a light fall of snow one of these birds was discovered 

 perched in a willow thicket apparently taking advantage of the 

 scant protection the twigs afforded. He was not at all shy and 

 permitted a close approach. Since that time other specimens 

 have been reported at irregular intervals. A female of this spe- 

 cies was found dead beside the Rock Island tracks near Cedar 

 Rapids, November 9, 1905, and a specimen of the same sex 

 which was secured from Mr. C. J. Albrecht, was taken near 

 Homestead, Amana Colonies, December 15, 1912. Mr. H. L. 

 Stoddard of Chicago has informed the writer that he found the 

 remains of a Saw-whet Owl in the stomach of a Barred Owl 

 which was shot in the vicinity of Chicago. Mr. R. M. Anderson 

 in Birds of Iowa, page 262, says, "More specimens have been 

 taken in October and November than in any other months." 



While there seem to be no definite nesting records for Iowa, this 

 is probably due to oversight ; since D. L. Savage reports its having 

 been taken as late as the 6th of May in Henry county. 



Dr. C. B. Cory says, "Nidification usually begins in April. The 

 nest is placed in a hole in some tree or stump, occasionally a deserted 

 woodpecker's nest being used." "The eggs are white, from three to 

 five in number, and measure about 1.20 by 1 inch." 



Mr. Anderson, who observed a caged bird for some eight months, 

 describes its cry as a "querulous whistle which was repeated again 

 and again." A. K. Fisher says, "The note of this species is peculiar 

 and has a rasping character, resembling the sound made when a large- 

 toothed saw is being filed ; hence the name." 



B. H. Warren lists the food of five Saw-whet Owls taken in Penn- 

 sylvania, showing that their menu consisted of grasshoppers, beetles, 

 other insects, and one mouse. 



Of 22 stomachs reported by A. K. Fisher, 17 contained mice; 1, 

 a bird; 1, an insect; while 3 were empty. 



That mice may be considered their chief food in Iowa is indicated 

 by the data of four specimens which are included in the above sum- 

 mary by Dr. Fisher, and which were taken in Story county, as well 

 a's by the later findings and reports. 



