152 



OWL, SHORT-EARED. 



SHORT-HORNED OWL. 

 STEIX BEACHYOTOS, Mont. 



This Owl is widely distributed, being met with 

 in Siberia and in several parts of North America. 

 In winter they are dispersed over Scotland and 

 England, generally appearing from the north about 

 the beginning of October, and remaining till April, 

 when they retire northwards. Many however 

 remain in the Orkneys, and other northern parts 

 of Scotland, to breed. In this country they gene- 

 rally remain concealed in long grass or rushy 

 places, upon waste ground or moors ; and are 

 often met with in turnip fields. They are seldom or 

 never seen in plantations, and it does not appear 

 to be their habit to perch upon trees. Five or six 

 of them are often observed together. Their prin- 

 cipal food with us consists of field-mice, and 

 occasionally small birds, and they are not altogether 

 nocturnal. 



OWL, SNOWY. 



STEIX NYCTEA, Lin. 



This noble and beautiful Owl was first esta- 

 blished as a resident in Great Britain in the year 



