LONG-EARED OWL. 



and though probably not numerous anywhere, is by no 

 means unknown or uncommon in most wooded districts. 

 It appears to resort to large woods, in which it makes 

 choice of an old tree well covered with ivy for a hiding- 

 place ; thick plantations also of evergreens, fir, holly, &c. 

 are favourite haunts, those of spruce fir more particularly, 

 according to Mr. Selby, being preferred. 



This species of Owl remains in this country throughout 

 the year. It makes little or no noise, except when young, 

 seldom moves in the day-time, unless disturbed, and then 

 bustles out, close to you, with every mark of fear and con- 

 fusion. It feeds upon rats, moles, mice, and small birds. 

 In the stomach of one individual, Mr. Selby found five 

 skulls of mice ; and one I examined contained the remains 

 of a Goldfinch. It is believed that this Owl obtains small 

 birds by taking them off their roost. 



The Long-eared Owl is said not to make a nest for 

 itself, but to take to the deserted habitation of some other 

 bird, when of sufficient size for its own wants ; and has 

 been known to rear its young in the old drey of a squir- 

 rel. The eggs are four or five in number, oval, smooth, 

 and white ; one inch eight lines and a half long, by one 

 inch three lines and a half in breadth. The young, 

 hatched by the end of April, are then covered with white 

 down, and do not quit the nest during the first month ; 

 when they do, Mr. Selby says, " they take up their abode 

 in some adjoining tree, and, for many subsequent days, 

 indeed for weeks, may be heard after sunset uttering a 

 plaintive call for food, during which time the parent birds 

 are diligently employed in hawking for prey.' 1 '' 



The Long-eared Owl inhabits most of the southern and 

 western counties of England, from Sussex to Cornwall. 

 According to Mr. Thompson of Belfast, " it occurs through- 

 out Ireland, and is resident. Where a sufficient extent of 



