224 



SHORT-EARED OWL 



367. Asio flammeus. 15.5 in. 



Ear tufts very short; general color buffy, not nearly 

 as brown nor as dark as the last species usually is. 

 They are not nearly as nocturnal as most of the owls, 

 and most of their hunting is done about dusk, when 

 they may be seen flying close to the ground over marshes 

 or low land. Their flight is perfectly silent, which aids 

 them in securing their prey of field mice, which they 

 usually get without stopping in their flight, just swoop- 

 ing down, extending their long legs, armed with wicked 

 little claws, and it is all over with the little rodent, he 

 being carried to a nearby stump, and devoured, fur, 

 bones and all. 



Notes. A very short, shrill cry, evidently their call 

 note, and a low clucking uttered as they swoop over 

 your head; besides the usual snapping of the bill. 



Nest. On the ground, usually in marshes; the four 

 to seven eggs are pure white. (1.55x1.25). 



Range. Breeds locally from the Gulf to the Arctic 

 regions; winters throughout the United States. 



