158 ACCIPITRES. 



THE SHORT-TUFTED OWL (Strix Irachyotus). 



This bird is of smaller dimensions, but stronger and heavier 

 than the former, inhabits more exposed places, and in the 

 course of the year undergoes greater fatigue. It breeds in 

 the north, with us chiefly in the Orkneys, in so far as has 

 been hitherto discovered, but it ranges southward over the 

 greater part of the main land. During their migrations, 

 these owls are partially gregarious, roosting in small flocks, 

 though they hawk singly over the fields ; but in the breeding 

 season they disperse themselves in pairs. Mice are their 

 principal food ; but they also swallow small birds ; and when 

 the weather is dusky, and they hawk during the day, they 

 pursue, if they do not capture, larger birds, such as grous, 

 partridges, and even pigeons. The feathers on their heads 

 generally (as well as the eye-tufts) are much shorter than 

 those of most other owls, so that the beak and shape of the 

 head are better seen. Hence they are sometimes called 

 " hawk-owls." The tufts are moveable as well as those in 

 the former species. When in a state of repose they are 

 barely visible ; and in the dead bird they are laid flat, and 

 do not appear. Their prevailing colours are orange and dull 

 yellow, with brown marking. The irides are yellow, the 

 bill bluish, and ,the claws black ; the latter much hooked and 

 very sharp. It is a bold and resolute bird, and defends itself 

 with spirit equal to, or greater than that of the former. 

 The short-eared owl does not frequent the woods, but keeps 

 the open fields. In its breeding places it nestles in heath, or 

 tufts of grass, the eggs being understood to be rarely more 

 than two ; and when it ranges over the main land, its hiding- 

 places are similar. When disturbed, it flies only to a short 

 distance, where it eyes its disturber with a peculiar mixture 

 of wonder and wisdom.* 



* "This species," observes Mr. Thompson, "is one of our regular 



