117 



165. O. brachyotus Steph. SHOUT-EARED OWL. The most abun- 

 dant species of the family. Arrives from the north in large numbers 

 the first of November and disperses through the state. They are 

 common everywhere, on prairies and marshes, during the winter. 

 Remain concealed in a bunch of grass or reeds until about two o'clock, 

 P.M., when they commence flying low over the ground in search of 

 their prey. When approached, while standing on the ground, they 

 crouch and try to escape observation much in the manner of the Bur- 

 rowing Owl. They are very harmless and are easily tamed. 



Genus Syrnium Sav. 



> 



166. S. cinereum And. GHEAT GRAY OWL. A very rare winter 

 visitant. 



167. S. nebulosum Gray. BARRED OWL. Owing to the lack of 

 heavy timber this is a rare species in this vicinity. Only two instances 

 of its capture have come under my observation. 



Genus Nyctale Brchm. 



168. N. acadica Bon. ACADIAN OWL. Not an uncommon spe- 

 cies. Is of frequent occurrence in Chicago, where, upon some of the 

 most frequented streets in the resident portion of the town, over a 

 dozen specimens have been taken within two years. Whether resi- 

 dent or not I have been unable to determine. 



Genus Scops Sav. 



169. S. asio Bonap. MOTTLED OWL. Rather common. Resident. 

 Often strays into Chicago and becomes confused, when they may be 

 captured alive, as has also been the case with several specimens of 

 the preceding species. 



Genus Bubo Dum. 



170. B. virginianus Bonap. HOUSED OWL. Not common. Resi- 

 dent. Formerly common. 



170a. Var. arcticus Sw. A rare winter visitant. Have a fine 

 specimen in my collection, taken the last of December, 1874. 



171. Nyctea scandiaca var. arctica Gray. SNOWY OWL. Reg- 

 ular \vinter resident. More numerous in the vicinity of the Lake. 

 Arrives in November and a few remain as late as the first of May. 



Gemis Surnia Dum. 



172. S. ululavar. hudsonica((r77ie?ui). HAWK OWL. Rare win- 

 ter resident. Dr. J. W. Velic tells me that he obtained a specimen in 

 Kane County, Illinois, the first of September, 18G9. 



