6o 



BRITISH BIRDS. 



with a border of black, somewhat divided by 

 small spots of white ; the head and neck are 

 spotted with pale brown and white ; breast and 

 belly white, streaked and patched with various- 

 sized spots of light brown ; legs and vent white ; 

 back, wings, and tail brown ; somewhat inclining 

 to olive, and distinctly marked with white spots. 

 The legs and feet are covered with soft feathers 

 down to the claws. It frequents rocks, caverns, 

 and ruined buildings, makes its rudely-constructed 

 nest in the most retired places, and lays four or 

 five white eggs. It sees better in the day-time 

 than other nocturnal birds, and gives chase to 

 small birds on the wing ; it likewise feeds on mice. 

 It would appear from the accounts of ornithologists 

 that this bird is seldom seen in Britain. The 

 drawing, by Mr. R. R. Wingate, of Newcastle, 

 from which the cut \vas engraven, was taken from 

 a specimen shot at Widdrington, January, 1813. 



