THE BIRDS OF WAYNE COUNTY. 281 



GENUS SYRNIUM SAVIGNY. 



68. Syrnium nebulosum (FORST.)- 

 Barred Owl. 



A common resident; frequents chiefly the wooded swamps and lowlands, in 

 which localities it breeds. 



On May 9, 1893, the writer obtained from a nest in the hollow top of the trunk of 

 a huge beech, two young of this species, which were apparently about three and a half 

 weeks old. From some unknown cause, one of them died a few days later, but the 

 other was kept in confinement for more than a year. It was allowed the freedom of a 

 small poultry house, the glass sides of which seemed to be to it a continual enigma. 

 Nearly always when its abode was entered it would fly against the glass, only of 

 course to fall to the ground. Its favorite perch was an old wire cage upon which 

 were several boards so placed that they slanted upwards to about five feet above the 

 ground, and on the highest part of this the Owl spent most of its time. Though not 

 at all vicious, it nevertheless resented any familiarity, and vigorously protested against 

 being touched. Its food consisted principally of raw beef, of which it consumed about 

 six ounces per day. It was, however, quite fastidious as to diet and would touch no 

 spoiled meat unless absolutely obliged by hunger. A Pied-billed Grebe in the incip- 

 ient stages of decomposition, though offered to the Owl after a three days' fast, was 

 reluctantly tasted, and only a portion of the neck eaten. Boiled meat was evidently 

 not relished, being persistently refused. 



GENUS NYCTALA BREHM. 



69. Nyctala acadica (GMEL.). 

 Saw-whet Owl. 



A rare resident ; rather more frequently met with during the winter than at other 

 seasons. Mr. E. N. Freeman states that it is sometimes not uncommon in winter in 

 the vicinity of Orrville ; and its nocturnal habits may to some extent account for its 

 apparent rarity in other parts of the County. The capture of a summer specimen by 

 the same gentleman indicates the probability of its nidification here, but actual proof 

 of the same has not been obtained. 



GENUS MEGASCOPS KAUP. 



70. Megascops asio (LINN.). 

 Screech Owl. 



Resident ; the most common of the Owls. Almost every large tract of woodland 

 shelters at least one pair, and the species may also be frequently found about the 

 farm-houses, as well as on the outskirts of the towns. 



