HORNED OWLS Family Bubonidae 



AMERICAN LONG-EARED OWL 



366. Asio wilsonianus. 15 in. 



This species can readily be distinguished from the 

 next, which is the only one of the same size, by its long 

 ear tufts; it is also darker, and the markings on the 

 breast are largely in the form of bars. In the northern 

 portions of the United States, this species is probably 

 the most abundant of owls, excepting the little Screech 

 Owl. It is often quite common, where its presence is 

 little suspected, because, unless disturbed, it flies only 

 at night and is a rather silent species. During the 

 daytime it is usually sitting upright in the dense tops 

 of evergreen trees. Crows often discover them, and pro- 

 claim their hiding place to the whole neighborhood by 

 their incessant cawing. Owls of all kinds are in dis- 

 favor with crows. 



Notes. A soft-toned "wo-hunk, wo-lmnk." ( Bendire. ) 



Nest. They lay from four to seven pure white eggs, 

 usually in old crow nests. 



Range. Resident from the Gulf to Nova Scotia and 

 Manitoba. 



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