66 LITTLE OWL SNOWY OWL. 



Plumage. Upper parts reddish brown, mottled, and longi- 

 tudinally streaked with dark brown ; white spots on the wings 

 and scapulars. Facial disk large and complete. Wings long 

 and rounded ; under parts reddish white, transversely barred, 

 and longitudinally streaked with dusky brown. Bill whitish. 

 Legs feathered to the claws. Length 16 in. Female, similar, 

 but larger. Young, at first covered with greyish down ; later, 

 more rufous than adults. 



Language. The familiar " Hoo-hoo, hoo-too-vit," or " che- 

 wick." 



Habits. Strictly nocturnal, and much resembling the other 

 Owls. It will defend its nest if necessary. 



Food. Small mammals and birds; sometimes insects, and 

 fish. 



Nest. In March or April. One brood. 



Site. Usually in a hole in a tree ; sometimes, though less 

 often, in similar situations to the Barn Owl. 



Materials. None. 



Eggs. Three to five. White, smooth, glossy, and nearly 

 spherical in shape. 



LITTLE OWL (Athene noctua). 



A rare visitor. A good many examples have been procured 

 in most counties, but it is very doubtful whether they are all 

 genuine visitors. It is possible that it may yet become a 

 breeding species. 



Plumage. Upper parts brown, with triangular white 

 markings on head, and spotted with white on nape and wings. 

 Tail marked with four white bands. Facial disk ill-developed 

 and greyish ; under parts white, streaked with brown. Bill 

 yellow. Legs covered with yellowish white hair-like feathers. 

 Toes covered with bristles. Length 9 in. Female, larger and 

 rather paler. 



Language. A monotonous " cu-cu." 



Habits. Rather diurnal. It resembles the other Owls very 

 closely, but is, if anything, even more grotesque and comical, 

 and is consequently a favourite pet. 



Food. Small birds and mammals, also insects. 



Nidification. Breeds in Europe. 



SNOWY OWL (Nyctea scandiaca): 



A fairly regular, though not abundant, cold-weather visitor, 

 chiefly to the North. 



Plumage. White, spotted, and barred with blackish or dark 

 brown. Bill black. Legs feathered. Length 22 in. Female, 

 larger, and more marked. 



