BIRDS OF THE WOODS 57 



TAWNY OR BROWN OWL (Syrnium aluco). 



Pretty common in all well-wooded localities ; 

 unknown in Ireland. 



Haunts. The densest parts of woods (hence Wood 

 Owl). 



Plumage. Upper parts reddish brown, mottled, and 

 longitudinally streaked with dark brown : .white spots 

 on the wings and scapulars. Facial disc large and com- 

 plete, greyish white bordered with brown. Wings long 

 and rounded ; under parts reddish white, transversely 

 barred, and longitudinally streaked with dusky brown. 

 Bill whitish. Legs feathered to the claws. Length 

 16 in. Female, similar, but larger. Young, at first 

 covered with greyish down ; later, more rufous than 

 adults. 



Language. The familiar " Hoo-hoo, hoo-too-vit," or 

 " che-wick." 



Habits. Strictly nocturnal, and much resembling the 

 other Owls. It will defend its nest if necessary. 



Food. Small mammals and birds sometimes insects, 

 and fish. 



Nest. In March or April. One brood. 



Site. Usually in a hole in a tree ; sometimes, though 

 less often, in similar situations to the Barn Owl. 



Materials. None . 



Eggs. Three to five. White, smooth, glossy, and 

 nearly spherical in shape. 



KITE (Milvus ictinus). 



Once a common resident, but nowadays, owing to 

 pitiless persecution, it has become rare, and will probably 

 become extinct if proper protection is not afforded it. 

 A few pairs breed in Wales and Scotland. 



Haunts. Woodland districts near rivers. 



Observation. Note pointed wings and forked tail. 



H 



