LONG-EARED OWL 



LONG-HORNED OWL. 



PLATE XXII. FIGURE II. 



Strix otus, LINNAEUS. LATHAM. 



Otus vulgaris, .... FLEMING. SELBY. 



THE nests of other birds, such as Crows, Magpies, Rooks, 

 and Ring-doves, are generally, if not always, appropriated 

 by the Long-eared Owl as its domicile, by flattening them and 

 lining them with a few thin sticks, feathers, a little wool or 

 rabbit's fur. It sometimes even locates itself in the nest of a 

 squirrel, and is not deterred by its not being far from the 

 ground. 



The eggs, which are of a round shape, and white, and 

 smooth but not glossy, are generally four in number, but 

 sometimes five or six. They are usually laid in March or 

 the beginning of April, by the latter end of which month the 

 young are hatched. 



The eggs of the Long-eared Owl appear to be sat upon as 

 soon as laid, consequently young birds and eggs are often to 

 be seen in the same nest. In addition to the nests already 

 mentioned, the Long-eared Owl not unfrequently appropriates 

 the nest of the Heron, and it appears never to build a nest 

 for itself. 



45 



