46 



CHECK LIST OF THE 



sons be quite common in a locality for a time and may not again be seen 

 there for several years. Like all other birds of prey, it is attracted to 

 places where food is abundant. It breeds sparingly in southern Ontario 

 and probably commonly in the undisturbed woods of the interior. 



Its food consists almost entirely of mice ; when these are scarce, an 

 occasional insect or small bird is taken. 



Screech Owl. 



GENUS MEGASCOPS. 

 (373) Screech Owl. 



(Megascops asio.) 



A common resident in southern Ontario, breeding throughout its 

 range. 



A particularly useful bird and one which, if left unmolested, will 

 become almost domesticated. It will take up its abode in and about the 

 barns and outbuildings and soon becomes comparatively tame. It is the 

 most indefatigable mouser we have, for not only does it kill mice to sup- 

 ply its immediate wants, but also for the pleasure of hunting them. Be- 

 sides this, it also does useful work in keeping the common House Sparrow 

 within proper limits. 



