LITTLE OWL. 159 



though both have now been taken several times, and most 

 of those instances will be here mentioned. There is rea- 

 son, however, to believe that from the general similarity 

 in appearance of these two small Owls, they have been 

 frequently mistaken the one for the other. The specific 

 distinctions will be pointed out. The Little Owl is strictly 

 nocturnal in its habits, but towards the evening becomes 

 active and vigilant. Bechstein, in his Natural History of 

 Cage Birds, for a published translation of which we are 

 indebted to Mr. Rennie, says, "In its wild state this 

 small species of Owl frequents old buildings, towers, and 

 church walls, where its nest is also found. The female 

 lays two white eggs of a short oval form, one inch four 

 lines in length by one inch one line in breadth. The 

 male takes his turn to sit upon the eggs during incuba- 

 tion; and the young ones may be very easily reared on 

 fresh meat, particularly on Pigeons." This species is very 

 frequently exposed for sale in the markets of Germany, 

 Holland, and France. 



In a wild state it feeds on mice, bats, small birds, which 

 it takes from the roost, and insects. 



" In a cage," according to Bechstein, " it may be kept 

 for some time in good health, if fed on dried mutton : the 

 skin, fat, and bones must be removed, and the meat left 

 to soak in water for two days before it is eaten. Three 

 quarters of an ounce a day of this meat dried will be suf- 

 ficient, particularly if now and then some mice or small 

 birds be given it, which it swallows, feathers and all : it 

 can devour as many as five mice at a meal. It begins to 

 wake up at about two in the afternoon, and then becomes 

 very lively, and soon wants its food. If great care be 

 not taken sometimes to give it mice or birds, the fur and 

 feathers of which cleanse the stomach, it will soon die of 

 decline. It is easily captured when the place of its re- 



