96 RAPTORES. SURNIA. SNOWY OWL. 



it is now ascertained that the species is resident, and breeds 

 there. I have seen specimens that were killed in Shetland, 

 since the above-mentioned period, and some of which are 

 now in the magnificent Collection at the Edinburgh Mu- 

 seum. From the observations that have been made on its 

 habits, it appears to be by no means confined to twilight for 

 its supplies of food, rather perhaps the reverse, as it has 

 been seen pursuing its prey in the day-time. 



Food. Alpine hares, rabbits, rats, and the different species of 

 grouse, fall under that description *. It rests exposed upon 

 the ground, where it can look around it, and descry the ap- 

 proach of an enemy. 



Those seen by Mr BULLOCK were upon the open sand- 

 banks, on the sea-shore, which, from abounding with rabbits, 

 were doubtless their favourite haunts. 



Nest, &c. They breed on the ledges of precipitous rocks, the eggs, 

 being two in number, of a pure white, according to most au- 

 thors ; but by VEILLOT, they are said to be spotted with 

 black f. 



It is common in the regions of the arctic circle, even in- 

 habiting during summer the frozen coast of Greenland. Is 

 very numerous on the shores of Hudson's Bay, and the most 

 remote arctic islands that have been visited, belonging to the 

 American Continent ; also in Norway, Sweden, and Lapland; 

 but is of very rare occurrence in the temperate parts of Eu- 

 rope and America. 



* WILSON informs us that it is a dexterous fisher ; pouncing its finny 

 prey by an instantaneous stroke of the foot, either in skimming near the 

 surface, or from its position on a stone in shallow-water. Dr RICHARDSON 

 has seen it pursue the American hare on the wing, and make repeated 

 strokes with its foot at the animal. See " Northern Zoology," vol. ii. p. 89. 



{ Dr HICHAB.DSON says, that this bird " makes its nest on the ground, 

 and lays three or four white eggs, of which usually only two are hatched. 

 In winter, when fat, it is esteemed delicate eating by the Indians, Its 

 flesh is very white." 



