THE OWLS. 207 



hole in a tree or ruin. I have found it less than 3 feet from 

 the ground. The eggs in a clutch number but two, but 

 the clutches follow so closely where the bird is not subject 

 to interruption, that it is not uncommon to find on the 

 uncleanly bed of vomited pellets two or three clutches of 

 eggs and a brace or two of young birds. Eggs, 2 to 6, laid 

 in pairs, i^ to i^ inch ; round and white, and not very 

 glossy. Owls' eggs are found almost throughout eight 

 months of the year. 



The larger Long-eared Owl is common, though rarely 

 much in evidence, all over these islands. It is easily 

 Long- distinguished by its prominent ear-tufts with 



eared Owl. ^ark centres, and the fawn-tinted feathers on 

 its feet and toes. 

 The food of this 

 species is as that of 

 the last, with per- 

 haps more insects. 

 It is one of the 

 most silent of our 

 owls, neither hoot- 

 ing nor shrieking 

 with any regular- 

 ity. This is the 

 only owl that nests 

 exclusively in the 

 deserted nests of 

 magpies and other 

 birds, or in empty 

 squirrel - dreys. 

 Sometimes the interior is relined, sometimes not ; I have 

 come across instances of both. Eggs, almost identical in 

 size and whiteness with those of the last, like which, too, 

 they are found during the greater part of the year. 



The Short-eared, or " Woodcock," Owl is for the most 



