40 FKIENDS OF THE AGRICULTURIST 



It is, however, stated in " Stark and Sclater " to be 

 commonly found amongst the grass and reeds border- 

 ing streams and marshes. 



The Marsh Owl (Asio capensis) is the first of the 

 " eared " owls. It is dark brown above and paler below, 

 marbled with pale brown above and mottled with white 

 on the lower breast. 



FIG. 27. Young Cape Eagle Owl. 



It is found in the long grass growing on the banks 

 of spruits or rivers, and in marshes, where it usually 

 consorts in parties of from three to six individuals. It 

 nests on the ground in swampy growth, and lays two 

 to four white eggs. 



Its food consists of lizards, mice, frogs and insects. 



The Bush Owl (Syrnium woodfordi) is a thorough 



