58 BIRDS OF PREY. 



ing, it is obliged to approach habitations and barns, in which 

 the mice it chiefly preys on now assemble ; it also lies in wait 

 for small birds, and feeds on beetles, crickets, and other in- 

 sects. The nest is usually in the hollow of an old orchard tree, 

 about the months of May or June ; it is lined carelessly with 

 a little hay, leaves, and feathers, and the eggs are commonly 

 four to six, white, and nearly round. Aldrovandus remarks 

 that the Great Horned Owl provides so plentifully for its 

 young that a person might obtain some dainties from the 

 nest, and yet leave a sufficiency for the Owlets besides. The 

 same remark may also apply to this species, as in the hollow 

 stump of an apple-tree, which contained a brood of these 

 young Owls, were found several Bluebirds, Blackbirds, and 

 Song Sparrows, intended as a supply of food. 



During the day these birds retire into hollow trees and un- 

 frequented barns, or hide in the thickest evergreens. At times 

 they are seen abroad by day, and in cloudy weather they wake 

 up from their diurnal slumbers a considerable time before 

 dark. In the day they are always drowsy, or, as if dozing, 

 closing, or scarcely half opening their heavy eyes, presenting 

 the very picture of sloth and nightly dissipation. When per- 

 ceived by the smaller birds, they are at once recognized as 

 their insidious enemies ; and the rareness of their appearance, 

 before the usual roosting- time of other birds, augments the 

 suspicion they entertain of these feline hunters. From com- 

 plaints and cries of alarm, the Thrush sometimes threatens 

 blows ; and though evening has perhaps set in, the smaller 

 birds and cackling Robins re-echo their shrill chirpings and 

 complaints throughout an extensive wood, until the nocturnal 

 monster has to seek safety in a distant flight. Their notes are 

 most frequent in the latter end of summer and autumn, crying 

 in a sort of wailing quiver, not very unlike the whining of a 

 puppy dog, ho, ho ho ho ho ho ho, proceeding from high and 

 clear to a low guttural shake or trill. These notes, at litde in- 

 tervals, are answered by some companion, and appear to be 

 chiefly a call of recognition from young of the same brood, or 

 pairs who wish to discover each other after having been sepa- 



