36 BRITISH BIBBS' EGGS. 



very rare visitant in Britain, being migratory even in the 

 southern districts of Europe, and in France arriving and 

 departing with the Swallow. It lays its eggs, four or five 

 in number, in the holes of trees. 



THE SNOWY OWL. Surnia nyclea. This imposing spe- 

 cies visits occasionally the northern British Islands, and 

 more rarely the mainland of our country. In Europe, it 

 occurs in Norway, Sweden, and Lapland, and is found in 

 North America. It delights in solitary, stony, and elevated 

 districts, and on the approach of twilight may be seen 

 perching on the exposed eminences. "When first observed 

 to quit its retreat, it is frequently assailed by Crows and 

 other birds, but it receives their attacks rather as an amuse- 

 ment than an annoyance. Its nest is built on ^he ledges of 

 precipices or on the ground, and contains three or four 

 white eggs. 



THE HAWK OWL. Surnia funerea. Though not un- 

 common in northern Europe, this is a species seldom seen 

 on our shores. It is an inhabitant of North America, espe- 

 cially the fur countries. It is said to build in trees with 

 sticks, grass, and feathers, and to lay two eggs, which are 

 white. 



