330 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 



their sight, the slightest movement of any unfortunate mouse 

 near them attracts their attention, and, sailing down from their 

 post, they pounce upon their victim. They feed upon small 

 birds and quadrupeds, or even large insects. They are unso- 

 cial, and generally lead a solitary life, though Wilson speaks 

 of seven being found in one tree. 



(d). I have riever heard them utter any notes, and they are 

 probably silent except during the season of love. Audubon, 

 however, says : " When encamped in the woods, I have fre- 

 quently heard the notes of this bird at night. Its cry is pro- 

 longed and plaintive, though consisting of not more than two 

 or three notes repeated at intervals." 



(B) BRACHYOTUS. Short-eared Owl. Marsh Owl. 



(A resident of Massachusetts, most abundant near the sea.) 



(a). About fifteen inches long. Ear-tufts inconspicuous. 

 General colors, dark brown, and fulvous whitening beneath 

 (on the belly, wings, etc.). Chiefly streaked, but on the tail, 

 primaries, etc., barred (and slightly mottled). Eyes completely 

 encircled by black. 



. (6). The nest is a rather slovenly structure, built on the 

 ground, most often in rather wet places. The eggs of each set 

 are usually four, averaging about 1-50X1*30 of an inch. They 

 are white, and somewhat spherical. Several, taken from two 

 nests not far from Boston, had apparently been laid about the 

 middle of April. 



(c). The Short-eared Owls are much less common than some 

 other species, though resident in Massachusetts throughout the 

 year. They are generally considered more abundant near the 

 seashore than elsewhere, and even resort to marshes. They 

 usually rest during the day on the ground or near it, and, 

 when flushed, fly as if dazed, and soon alight. I have seen 

 them abroad, however, on cloudy da} r s. They sometimes occur 

 in woods, particular^ such as are swampy, but, in hunting, 

 they more often fly over meadows or fields, moving their 

 wings silently, and often sailing directly forward for a consid- 

 erable distance. They also perch to watch for their prey, which 



