BIliDS. 7J 



bits ; mice and small game are, however, their most usual food. The 

 difference in size between the male and female of this owl is extra* 

 ordinary, amounting sometimes to nearly eight inches in the length. 

 Both scream during day, like a hawk. 



THE OWL. 



The male barred owl measures sixteen inches and a half in 

 length, and thirty-eight inches in extent ; upper parts a pale brown, 

 marked with transverse spots of white ; wings barred with alter- 

 nate bands of pale brown, and darker ; head, smooth, very large, 

 mottled with transverse touches of dark brown, pale brown, and 

 white ; eyes, large, deep blue, tho pupil not perceivable ; face, or 

 radiated circle c the eyes, gray, surrounded by an outline of brown 

 4 



