218 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



of a distant bell. On Hearing- the spot whence the sounds 

 emanated, they apparently shifted from point to point. being 

 at onetime heard close-by, then, in the distance ; now, on the 

 left, then, on the right, and as often in the rear as in the 

 front. Finally, the author of these sounds was discerned at 

 the entrance of its burrow in a birch-tree. Stationed at the 

 base of the tree in full view of the bird who was calling its 

 partner, our author had a splendid opportunity of noticing 

 : ts singular and exceptional ventriloquial facultv. 



The flight of this Owl is smooth, gliding, noiseless, and 

 hut slightly elevated and protracted. Its movements in 

 quest of food remind us of those of Scops asio, being often 

 seen gliding over low meadow-grass in the vicinity of its 

 accustomed haunts, or, perched upon a stump or fence rail 

 adjoining thereto, quietly ga/ing in every direction for what- 

 ever of life manifests itself, which it seizes with remarkable 

 adroitness, even sometimes venturing to assail prey superior 

 to itself. Like some species, it captures its victims while 

 upon the wing, with no little skill and address. The small 

 birds aroused from their perch by its cries fall readv victims 

 to its rapacity. 



Xest and eggs of this species have been taken at Cleveland, 

 Ohio, as well as at Racine, Wisconsin; and at Hamilton. 

 Canada. We think it very probable, that in the immense 

 pine forests and other dense thickets which line the banks 

 of the Wissahickon, often stretching fora considerable dis- 

 tance inward, the nests of this species may yet be found. 

 We incline to this opinion from having seen the sexes 

 together, as late as June. Diligent search, however, has 

 failed to reveal the nest. 



According to Mr. Audubon, this bird breeds in the 

 hollows of trees, or in nests which have been deserted by 

 other species. In the vicinity of Natchez, Mississippi, a 

 nest was discovered in the stump of a small rotten tree, at 

 an elevation of about four feet. Should nests be found in 

 the vicinity of Philadelphia, which we confidently expect. 



