342 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 



They have several times been captured on the islands of Bos- 

 ton Harbor, and I am quite confident of having seen one fly 

 over the city. They may also be met with further inland, 

 where they feed upon quadrupeds and birds. They hunt chiefly 

 during the day, or just after sunset, and, instead of pouncing 

 upon other birds, often pursue them on wing, thus resembling 

 the hawks. As they feed upon grouse (or even, it is said, 

 upon ducks and pigeons) r they evidently possess great speed of 

 flight. Owing to their size and handsome plumage, they are 

 striking objects in winter-scenery, though often rendered in- 

 conspicuous by their likeness to the snow and ice. Though 

 spirited, they exhibit much less ferocity than the Great Horned 

 Owls, and are said to be more tractable as pets. 



(d). Wilson says of this species that "its voice is so dismal 

 that, as Pennant observes, it adds horror even to the regions 

 of Greenland by its hideous cries, resembling those of a man 

 in deep distress." The same author, in describing the method 

 of fishing pursued by this owl, says: "Unlike most of his 

 tribe he hunts by day as well as by twilight, and is particu- 

 larly fond of frequenting the shores and banks of shallow 

 rivers, over the surface of which he slowly sails, or sits on a 

 rock a little raised above the water watching for fish. These 

 he seizes with a sudden and instantaneous stroke of the foot, 

 seldom missing his aim." 



VIII. SURNIA 



(A) ULULA (var. HUDSONIA). (American) Hawk Owl. Day 

 Owl 



(A winter-visitant to Massachusetts of rare occurrence.) 



(a). About sixteen inches long. General colors, dark brown 

 and white, the former predominating above. Wings, tail, and 

 under parts barred, but throat streaked. Face partly bordered 

 by black, and narrow y approaching the hawk-t}-pe. 



(b). "The nest is built in trees. The eggs, six in number, 

 are white, and average about 1*50 X 1 25 of an inch." 



(c). No other families of birds present such difficulties to 

 the naturalist and biographer as the hawks and owls. Their 



