THE OWL. 



Horned Owl of Virginia. 



Horned OwL 



Hawk Owl. 



The Virginian Horned Owl is a native of North America, 

 being found in almost every quarter of the United States, and 

 in the fur-countries where the timber is of large size. AVilson 

 thus describes the haunts and habits of the Virginian Horned 

 Owl : — " His favorite residence is in the dark solitudes of deep 

 swamps, covered with a growth of gigantic timber; and here, 

 as soon as evening draws on, and mankind retires to rest, he 

 sends forth such sounds as seem scarcely to belong to this 

 world. The flight of this bird is elevated, rapid and graceful. 

 It sails with apparent ease in large circles, and rises and 

 descends without the least difficulty, by merely inclining its 

 wings or its tail as it passes through the air." It preys upon 

 birds, domestic poultry of all kinds, and small quadrupeds. 



The Hawk Owl is a native of the arctic regions of both con- 

 tinents. Wilson says that this species is rare in Pennsylvania 

 and the more southern of the United States, its favorite range 

 being along the borders of the arctic regions, making occasional 

 excursions southward when compelled by severity of weather, 

 and consequent scarcity of food. It preys by day, its eyes 

 being adapted for a dull light, and its flight is steady. From 

 these circumstances it has obtained its English appellation. 

 From the writer alluded to, we learn that it is bold and active, 

 and will follow the fowler, carrying off' his game as soon as shot. 



(Utt) 



