gg NATURALISTS CABINET. 



Description, habits, &c. 



In uttering their disagreeable cry, these ani- 

 mals inflate their throats to the size of a hen'? 

 egg. They breed in hollow trees, or ruined 

 buildings; laying commonly four whitish ellipti- 

 cal eggs. They are commonly caught in traps; 

 and may easily be allured and shot in the even- 

 ing, by any person who can imitate tolerably 

 well the squeaking of a mouse. 



THE SCREECH OWL. 



THIS animal is nearly of the size of the for- 

 mer, but the plumage is very elegant. All the 

 upper parts of the body are of a fine pale yellow, 

 variegated with white spots ; the under parts are 

 entirely white, and a circle of soft white feathers 

 surrounds each of the eyes. The legs are lea- 

 thered down to the claws. It is well known, from 

 the circumstance of its frequenting churches, old 

 houses, and dilapidated buildings ; whence it sal- 

 lies out in the evening, to seek for food; and it 

 probably received the appellation of " screech 

 owl," from the loud and frightful cries which it 

 utters during its flight. 



Like the rest of the species, this owl, after de- 

 vouring its prey, emits the bones, feathers, hair, 

 and other indigestible parts, at the mouth, in the 

 form of little pellets; and we are informed, that 

 a gentleman on digging up a decayed pollard-ash 

 that had .been frequented by these animals for 



