MOTTLED OWL 



PLATE XXV. FIGURE II. 

 Strix asio, LINNAEUS. 



THIS species, which is also known as the American 

 Screech Owl, cannot be regarded as British, and is not 

 recognised as such by any recent writers. In the United 

 States it is regarded as a most valuable bird, from its de- 

 struction of mice, and what is there termed the noxious 

 English sparrow. 



The nest is placed in the hollow trunk of a tree, some- 

 times only some six or seven feet from the ground, but at 

 other times as high as from thirty to forty. It is composed 

 of a few grasses and feathers. 



The eggs are four or five in number, of a round shape, 

 and pure white ; only one set of eggs is laid, unless the 

 nest be disturbed. The young remain in the nest until 

 they are able to fly. 



