146 



NATURE STUDY 



then, is its food ? Of what use to it is the hook at 

 the end ? 



Look at its feet. How are they like the sparrow's foot ? 

 What can it do then ? How are they different ? Wliy '.' 



Owl. 



Facts : 



The commonest of the resident Owls is the little 

 horned or screech owl {Megascops asio). As its name 

 indicates, the head of this species is 

 marked by a horn or tuft of feathers. 

 It varies greatly in color. 



The nests are most frequently 

 found in the hollows of trees, and 



Beak of Falcon. 



contain from four to six nearly 

 si)herical white eggs. 



Like all the owls and hawks, 

 it is a bird of prey. In conse- 

 quence, its beak is sharply hooked, 

 for this, with its stout, strong claws, is 

 used for tearing its food. It eats 

 mice, English sparrows, cut worms, 

 and other animals. It is a nocturnal bird. Doubtless be- 

 cause of its downy plumage, it makes little noise in flying. 



Horned Owl. 



