158 BRITISH BIRDS. 



near Coventry, and the parents repeatedly broug-ht them 

 live fish, which had, doubtless, been procured from the 

 neighbouring brook, where bull-heads and loaches 

 abound. Since then, the Rev. Mr. Bree says, that on 

 more than one occasion he has found the same kinds of 

 fish, either whole or in fragments, lying under the trees, 

 on which he had observed the young owls to perch after 

 they had left the nest, and where the old birds were 

 accustomed to feed them. 



The large head and full feathers of the owl at once 

 attract particular attention. Its soft and downy plumage 

 peculiarly fits it to pass silently to its victim. The noise 

 produced by the passage of other birds is never made 

 by the barn owl. Its feathers, so far from resisting the 

 air, yield to every breath, while the wings are of great 

 extent, and, by their gentle fanning, the bird is able not 

 only to make considerable progress, but to whirl round 

 and drop down on its prey. 



The barn owl does not make any regular nest, but 

 lays three or four eggs, in a very slovenly manner, on 

 some woolly or downy substance. While the young are 

 there, the male and female sally out alternately in quest 

 of food, returning to the nest once in about five mi- 

 nutes ; but when there are no progeny, they tarry till 

 they have satisfied their appetites, or are able no longer 



