SHORT-EARED OWL 35 



is possessed by most species ; also to its better 

 sight in the daytime, and to its wandering dis- 

 position, which enables it to escape a threatened 

 famine, and to seize on unoccupied or favourable 

 ground* 



The bird loves an open country, and sits by day 

 on the ground concealed amongst the herbage or 

 tall grass. An hour before sunset it quits its hiding- 

 place and is seen perched on a bush or tall stalk, or 

 sailing about a few feet above the ground with a 

 singularly slow, heron-like flight ; and at intervals 

 while flying it smites its wings together under its 

 breast in a quick, sudden manner. It is not at all shy, 

 the intrusion of a man or dog in the field it frequents 

 only having the effect of exciting its indignation. 

 An imitation of its cry will attract all the individuals 

 within hearing about a person, and any loud unusual 

 sound, like the report of a gun, produces the same 

 effect. When alarmed or angry it utters a loud hiss, 

 and at times a shrill laugh-like cry. It also has a 

 dismal scream, not often heard ; and at twilight 

 hoots, this part of its vocal performance sounding 

 not unlike the distant baying of a mastiff or a blood- 

 hound. It breeds on the ground, clearing a circular 

 spot, and sometimes, but not often, lining it with 

 a scanty bed of dry grass. The eggs are three to five, 

 white, and nearly spherical. 



The Short-eared Owl was formerly common 

 everywhere on the pampas, where the coarse indi- 

 genous grasses afforded the shelter and conditions 

 best suited to it. When in time this old rough 



