276 THE LITTLE OWL. 







&c., in the deep recesses of the forest, in an old fir, or spruce- 

 pine tree. The female, in the commencement of the month 

 of May, lays four white eggs. 



The Little Owl (Sparf-Uggla, or Sparrow-Owl, Sw. ; 

 N. passerina, Selby). This, the smallest of all European 

 owls, was scarce with us, and the like is the case in 

 Scandinavia generally. It is said to be more plentiful in 

 the midland portions of the peninsula, than in the more 

 southern or northern. It makes its nest in a hollow tree. 

 The female commonly lays four eggs, which are in form 

 short oval, and white in colour. 



As with the Canada owl, this bird hunts in the day-time, 

 without being sensibly affected by the light. When in the 

 winter it appears near the homestead, it, like other birds of 

 prey, is surrounded by sparrows, &c., which with cries follow 

 wherever it goes. But they nevertheless take good care to 

 hold themselves at a respectful distance, and at the slightest 

 movement on its part, hurriedly beat a retreat. Instinct 

 would seem to teach them their danger, for its flight is 

 very quick, and it is possessed of both courage and strength 

 enough to punish them. 



This bird is easily domesticated. "Last winter," writes 

 M. Skoldberg, " a living sparrow-owl came into my posses- 

 sion, and I kept her in a cage for several months. This 

 little and very pretty bird was very amusing. From the 

 commencement of her captivity she became very tame, and a 

 person might approach immediately to, or even handle her, 

 without her showing the least fear, or attempting to get 

 out of the way. She would only snap her bill together, 

 and with her eyes closely follow the movements of the spec- 

 tators ; and whilst thus occupied, she would twist her head so 



