OWLS. 149 



of its long black claws, no part is exposed. And again, were 

 it not for its colour, which renders it almost invisible, as it 

 silently skims over the snowy plains, the hares and other 

 animals on which it preys would see its approach, and be 

 prepared for escape. 



Of course, the habits of a bird so seldom coming under 

 human observation can be but little known ; but the few par- 

 ticulars we have been able to collect completely justify the 

 above remarks. Thus, that its snowy plumage is essential to 

 its means of existence, may be gathered from circumstances 

 relating to a couple that were shot in the severe winter of 

 1823, in Northumberland. They had, for some days before 

 they were killed, been observed in the wild and rocky parts 

 of an open moor, either perched upon the snow, or on some 

 large solitary stone projecting from it, from whence, without 

 attracting notice by any contrasting colour, they could look 

 out for their prey, and be prepared to seize it as it in- 

 cautiously approached. As the smaller species hunt for 

 mice, so does this search for hares and rabbits, on which it 

 pounces, and in a similar manner swallows them, when pos- 

 sible, whole ; a fact ascertained in the case of one shot at and 

 wounded in the island of JBalta, which, on being approached, 

 disgorged an entire young rabbit ; another, when taken, had a 

 Sandpiper, with the whole plumage, in its stomach. As they 

 were often found dead by Captain Sir Edward Parry, who 

 spent so many months in their most frequented neighbour- 

 hood, it is concluded that they frequently perish from want of 

 food ; indeed, their eagerness to partake of the hunter's fare, 

 and carry off the spoil in his presence, is a proof that they must 

 often be severely pressed by hunger. Sportsmen in the north* 

 assure us, that they keep watch on some high tree or lofty 

 rock, and the moment the gun is fired and the game killed, 

 they descend, and skimming rapidly down, secure the prey 

 before the shooter is able to get near it. 



Ptarmagans are a favourite food of these birds, and are well 

 aware of their danger. Their mode of escape is, on perceiv- 

 ing the Owl about to pounce upon them, to dive instantly into 

 * HEARNE'S Travels. 



