. 



SPECIES S. STRIX OTUS. 



LONG-EARED OWL. 

 [Plate LI. Fig. 3. Female.] 



GMEL. Syst. i, p. 288. BEWICK, i, p. 84. PEALE'S Museum, JVo. 



434* 



THIS Owl is common to both continents, and is much more 

 numerous in Pennsylvania than the White, or Barn Owl: six 

 or seven were found in a single tree, about fifteen miles from 

 this city. There is little doubt but this species is found inhabit- 

 ing America to a high latitude; though we have no certain ac- 

 counts of the fact. Except in size, this species has more resem- 

 blance to the Great Horned-Owl than any other of its tribe. It 

 resembles it also in breeding among the branches of tall trees; 

 lays four eggs of nearly a round form, and pure white, t The 

 young are grayish white until nearly full grown, and roost du- 

 ring the day close together on a limb, among the thickest of the 

 foliage. This Owl is frequently seen abroad during the day, but 

 is not remarkable for its voice or habits. 



The Long-eared Owl is fourteen inches and a half long, and 

 three feet two inches in extent; ears large, composed of six fea- 

 thers, gradually lengthening from the front one backwards, 

 black, edged with rusty yellow; irides vivid yellow; inside of 

 the circle of the face white, outside or cheeks rusty; at the in- 

 ternal angle of the eye a streak of black; bill blackish horn co- 

 lour; forehead and crown deep brown, speckled with minute 

 points of white and pale rusty; outside circle of the face black, 



* We add the following synonymes: Slrix otus, LINN. Syst. i, p. 92, JVb. 

 4, ed. 10. BUFF. PL Enl. 29. LATH. Gen. Syn. i, p. 121, Ind. Orn. p. 55. 



f Buffon remarks, that it rarely constructs a nest of its own; but not unfre- 

 quently occupies that of others, particularly the Mag-pie. 



