BARN-OWL. 



NATUEALISTS, as has been already said (page 150), have 

 hitherto generally considered our well-known Barn-Owl the 

 type of the Linnaean genus Strix ; but it has been shewn 

 that Brisson, who first divided the group, applied that 

 designation to the Tawny Owl, which he thus fixed as the 

 generic type, at the same time describing the Barn- Owl 

 under the appellation of Aluco, a term subsequently used by 

 Fleming as the name of the very distinct genus to which 

 this species belongs. Few authors indeed have followed the 

 example so set, and it is not without serious consideration 

 that the Editor here adopts what may be productive of some 

 confusion ; but the worst evils which beset scientific nomen- 

 clature being only avoidable by strict obedience to the rules 

 which have been laid down for its governance, he feels 

 bound to abide by them even in the present case. Still by 

 whatever name the Barn- Owl may be called, it, with its 

 allied species, as previously mentioned (page 149) forms a 

 group possessing many characters not found in the other 

 Owls, and the importance of this difference should not be 

 overlooked whether the genus be termed Aluco or Strix. 



Unlike the species last described, the Barn-Owl is resident 

 in this country throughout the year, and is so peculiar in the 

 colouring of its plumage, and so generally diffused, that it is 

 probably the best known of all the British species of Owls. 

 It inhabits churches, barns, old malt-kilns, or deserted ruins 

 and also hollow trees. If unmolested, the same haunts are 

 frequented, either by the same pair of birds or their offspring, 

 for many years in succession. As destroyers of rats and 

 mice, and that to a great extent, the services rendered by 

 Barn-Owls to the agriculturist have obtained for this species 

 at least toleration, while by some it is, as it deserves to be, 

 strictly protected in return for benefits received. 



Unless disturbed, these birds seldom leave their retreat 

 during the day, and if the place of concealment be ap- 

 proached with caution, and a view of the bird obtained, it 

 will generally be observed to have its eyes closed, as if 

 asleep. About sunset the pair of Owls, particularly when 

 they have young, issue forth in quest of food, and may be 



