176 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EGGS- 



[370a.] Lapp Owl. Scotiaptex nebulosa lapponica. 



A paler form of the Great Gray Owl, inhabiting the Arctic regions of the Old 

 World; accidental on the coast of Alaska. Their nesting habits and eggs do 

 not differ from those of the American bird. 



371. Richardson Owl. Nyctala tengmalmi richardsoni. 



[White. 



Range. Northern North America, breeding north 

 of the United States; winters south to our border and 

 casually farther. 



This is a dark grayish and white bird, 10 inches in 

 length, and without ear tufts. Breeds commonly in 

 the extensively wooded districts of British America, 

 chiefly in the northern parts. Their three or four 

 white eggs are usually at the bottom of a cavity in a 

 tree, but occasionally, the birds build a rude nest of 

 sticks and twigs, lined with leaves and placed in 

 trees at a moderate height from the ground. Size of 

 eggs, 1.25 x 1.05. 



372. Saw-whet Owl; Acadian Owl. Nyctala acadica. 



Range. North America, breeding in the northern parts of the United States 

 and in British America, and south in the Rockies to Mexico; winters south to 

 the middle portions of the United States. 



This small species (length 8 inches) is marked very similarly to the preceding, 

 but the plumage is brown instead of gray. They normally nest in hollow trees, 

 generally in deserted Woodpecker holes, in extensively wooded sections, and 

 usually in mountainous country, especially in the United States. They have 

 also been known to nest in bird boxes near farm houses and in old Crow's nests. 

 During April or May, they lay from three to six white eggs. Size 1.20 x 1.00. 

 They are quiet and chiefly nocturnal birds, not often seen, and may be found 

 nesting in any of the northern states. 



372a. Northwest Saw-whet Owl. Nyctala acadica scotxa. 

 Range. A dark variety found on the coast of British Columbia. 



373. Screech Owl. Megascops asio. 



Range. North America, east of the Plains and 

 from the southern British Provinces to Florida. 



This well known species, which is often called 

 "Little Horned Owl" because of its ear tufts, is 

 found either in the type form or some of its varieties 

 in all parts of the United States. They have two 

 color phases, the plumage being either a yellowish 

 brown or gray, and black and white; these color 

 phases are not dependent upon sex or locality, as often 

 young of both phases are found in the same nest; the 

 gray phase is the most abundant. They nest any- 

 where in hollow trees, being found very frequently 

 in decayed stubs of apple trees. 



[White.] 



