24 STRIGID^E. 



Frequenting woods, it seeks the shelter of the upper branches 

 in any dark situation where it can remain concealed during 

 the day, and on the approach of evening it may be observed 

 gliding spectral-like through the intricacies of the branches, 

 as it emerges upon its grand feeding-ground, the meadow. 

 There, similar to the barn owl, it preys upon small birds, 

 mice, and insects. Resting at times upon the top of the field- 

 gate, a shrill plaintive cry is uttered, and again it glides off, as 

 noiseless as it came. 



Rarely observed flying during the daytime, occasional 

 instances have occurred to us where specimens were shot 

 when apparently engaged searching the meadows for food 

 during midday. 



In confinement this owl becomes very tame and familiar, 

 and also a most industrious mouser. A bird of this species, 

 at one time in the possession of a friend, appeared untiring 

 in this pursuit, and considerable amusement was always af- 

 forded when a number of mice were captured. The first 

 thrown to him was clutched in one foot, and the second was 

 secured by the other, whilst the third was caught in the bill. 

 Thus laden, he hobbled away to any dark place to feed, and 

 seemed to be at all times unwilling to depart unless he had 

 received his full complement. 



Indigenous. 



SPECIES 22 THE SHORT-EARED OWL. 



Otus brachyotus. Forster. 

 Hibou brachiote. Temm. 



Woodcock Owl. Fern Owl. 



THE SHORT-EARED OWL is a species of great interest from 

 being the only migratory bird comprised in the entire order 

 of the raptores. The most unusual of the common species in its 

 occurrence, it occasionally appears about Dublin, but always 

 in damp, marshy situations : along the wet meadows of the 

 iNorth Lots we have met with it, and also upon the exposed 

 grounds in the vicinity of the Pigeon House Wall. Resting 

 in most instances upon the ground, the majority of speci- 

 mens forwarded to Mr. Glennon for preservation have been 

 obtained by snipe-shooters, who procured them in bogs fre- 

 quented by the snipe. 



Occurring over the island in very limited numbers, it ap- 

 pears at the same time that the great influx of winter mi- 

 grants arrive ; departing at the same time as those birds, it is 



