192 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



although in the Colorado River below FortMojave, Dr. Cones 

 met from twenty to thirty birds together, thus showing the 

 soeial disposition of this species. They are less shy and 

 timid than the last species described, and will permit a very 

 near approach without becoming unduly alarmed. Whilst 

 travelling through the dense and tall grasses of swampv 

 grounds, we have startled one of these birds within a few feet 

 of us, which, after flying a few paces would alight but to be 

 disturbed again with similar results. A constant annoyance 

 of this character would certainly determine almost any other 

 bird to seek securer quarters, but not so with the subject of 

 this sketch. Birds, as well as insects of nocturnal habits, or- 

 dinarily, when aroused, make but short flights before alight- 

 ing. As these Owls are often addicted to hunting their 

 prey in cloudy weather, and also, occasionally, when the sun 

 is shining, without manifesting those bewildering and sleepy 

 movements which are so eminently characteristic of many 

 of their brethren, the unsuspicious and apparently fearless 

 character of their movements cannot be ascribed to their being 

 ill-adapted to diurnal pursuits. 



The flight of this species, in many particulars, resembles 

 that of vulgaris var. ii'ihonianus but is never quite so 

 high, nor so well sustained. It has the characteristic gliding 

 movement, which is. if anything, more graceful. Whilst sail- 

 ing across a marshy tract in quest qf food, its flight is quite low, 

 but slightly overtopping the tall reeds and sedges which grow 

 so luxuriantly in such places. Nor does it always capture 

 its prey while upon the wing, but has been observed to sta- 

 tion itself upon a stump in the midst of a swamp, or upon a 

 low bush, or a small hillock, and await its prey with the most 

 intense vigilance. Indeed, it does not hesitate to lie in wait 

 behind a well-developed tussock, or in the midst thereof. 

 It does not seem that this bird ever deserts its favorite feeding 

 grounds, for the habitations of man, even when the latter are 

 located in close proximity thereto. The great abundance of 

 meadow-mice, lizards, and certain beetles, that are denizens 



