104 BIBDS OF OHIO. 



ter in some parts of the southern counties, and likely nests 

 in the more extensive prairies and swampy regions. It may 

 be known by its habit of feeding during the early forenoon 

 and late afternoon in broad day, and by its habit of feeding 

 in the fields. While it has ear tufts they are too small to be 

 seen unless the bird raises them in excitement. 



"The food of this Owl consists largely of mice and other 

 small mammals. A number of species of insects, birds, and 

 reptiles also may be mentioned as occasionally contributing 

 to its fare. Fully 75 per cent of the stomachs examined in 

 the Department of Agriculture contained mice. ... Of the 

 other mammals which this Owl feeds upon may be men- 

 tioned shrews, gophers, and sometimes small rabbits." 

 (Fisher.) The verdict is clearly for protection of this owl, 

 even if he does sometimes kill useful animals. 



140. (368.) SYRNIUM VARIUM (Barton). 155. 

 Barred Owl. 



Synonyms: Strix nebulosa. Syrnium nebulosum. 



Hoot Owl, American Wood Owl, Round-headed Owl. 

 Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161. 



This is the most common large owl, and stands next to 

 the Screech Owl in numbers. It is strictly resident through- 

 out the state, and as strictly arboreal. It is nocturnal, but 

 sometimes feeds during dark days or at twilight. Its cry 

 "who cooks for you, who cooks for you, who!" may be 

 heard in almost any large woods during the early evening 

 or early morning hours, while its blood-curdling caterwaul- 

 ings are more often reserved for the small hours when the 

 camper is sure to be asleep! In these later days some of 

 the thrilling accounts of "encounters" with wild cats and 

 panthers in the more settled districts of the state are trace- 

 able to the night calls of this owl. Certain it is that a sud- 

 den awakening in the wee hours with the unearthly squalls 

 from this owl, perched just overhead, ringing in your ears, 

 meets instant response from your hair ! 



"In summing up the facts relating to the food habits of 

 this Owl it appears that, while the general statements of 



