138 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



and likewise drawing attention to the especial closeness of its 

 plumage. The face of this owl has the appearance of a 

 mask, which is well delineated in the plate. 



The plumage is very pretty. The ground colour is a 

 pure white, shaded upon the upper part with tawny brown, 

 some of the feathers being tinged with grey and tipped 

 with black, forming a delicate pencilling. The breast is 

 white, shaded with buff upon the chest. Very great 

 variety, however, is shown in this colouring, many speci- 

 mens having been obtained in which the brown so much 

 predominated as to lead to the idea that it was a separate 

 species. The female may be distinguished from her mate 

 by a few black spots that appear on either side of the 

 breast, as may be noticed in the initial engraving. 



As with some other birds, age has a marked influence 

 upon the plumage of the Owl, as in process of time the 

 wings and tail become very much lighter ; and in the 

 case of several birds that were kept in confinement, they 

 gradually became almost white. 



Although it is possible that other kinds may frequent 

 farmyards for the sake of food, yet this is the only Owl 

 that inhabits buildings. The favourite haunt of the 

 bird, as its name denotes, is in barns and such-like farm- 

 buildings, but they will also be found inhabiting church- 

 towers and the eaves of houses. Old ruins, too, are often 

 chosen as a place of abode ; and when once a pair of Owls 

 have made their home, they continue to frequent the same 

 spot for many years. Instances have occurred where a 

 pair of Owls have taken possession of a pigeon-cote, 

 much to the dismay and disgust of the pigeons, whose 

 consequent departure from their home led to the discovery 

 of the invaders. 



