171 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



so with its more favored brethren, who have gained the con- 

 fidence and esteem of man, not only by their wholesale de- 

 struction of both noxious insects and animals, but also bv 

 the possession of nobler and better traits. 



Along the hills of the Wissahickon, in the gloomy recesses 

 of dense pine thickets, or in the darksome hollows of tall 

 and jagged rocks that line its borders, or nestle drearily amid 

 the forests that stretch inwardly this species abounds. None 

 of the species of Owls which are deni/ens of this latitude, 

 betray such fear of man, and seek safety from his approach 

 with a more eager readiness, than the one under consider- 

 ation. Unlike others, it is seldom seen about our farm-yards 

 and orchards, not even at night, when there is little risk of 

 danger. 



Notwithstanding the prevailing opinion that this species 

 is strictly nocturnal in its habits, evidence both of a personal 

 and of a borrowed character is not wanting to prove the 

 contrary. Not only in cloudy weather, and late in the after- 

 noon, is it to be observed in its immediate haunts in quest of 

 prey, but we have actually encountered it in the broad glare 

 of noon, occupied with such important business. During 

 the breeding-period these predatory expeditions are more 

 frequent, the urgent demands of the young for food neces- 

 sitating such action. 



It is seldom that the sexes are found together, except 

 during the season of mating. They prefer a solitary existence. 

 But w r hen they chance to meet in their nightly pilgrimages, 

 they exhibit feelings of the most intense animosity towards 

 each other, which frequently break out in fierce and serious 

 encounters, either ending in inglorious retreat by one of the 

 opponents, the male generally, or in death. Even during 

 the breeding-season, there is a lack of that devoted affection 

 which characterizes most birds at this time. The sole object 

 seems to be a servile obedience to the mandates of instinct, 

 which urge the propagation and consequent continuance of 

 the species. Like many barbarous tribes of men, they have 



