THE WHITE, OR SCREECH OWL 



69 



low. The poor Kite, either curious to observe so strange an ahimal, 

 or, perhaps inquisitive to know whether it may not be eligible prey, 

 flies after it. He approaches near, and hovers immediately over it ; 

 when the falconer, loosing a strong-winged Falcon against him, seizes 

 hi in at once, and drags him into captivity. 



' 



STONE OWL. 



THE WHITE, OR SCREECH OWL. 



The plumage of these Owls is very elegant. A circle of soft whitt 

 feathers surrounds each of the eyes. All the upper parts of the body 

 are of a fine pale yellow color, variegated with white spots ; and the 

 under parts are entirely white. The legs are feathered down to the 

 claws. 



Incapable of seeing their prey in the full blaze of day, these Birds 

 keep concealed during this time. Legions of birds flock around them, 

 and single them out as objects of derision and contempt. They increase 

 their cries and turbulence around him, flap him with their wings, 

 and, like cowards, are ready to exhibit their courage when they are 

 sensible that the danger is but small. The unfortunate wanderer, 

 lot knowing where he is, whom to attack, or whither to fly, patiently 

 sits and suffers all their indignities with the utmost stupidity. An 

 aversion which the smaller birds bear to the Owl, with a temporary 

 assurance of their own security, urge them to pursue him, whilst they 

 encourage each other, by their mutual cries, to lend assistance in the 

 general cause. Bird-catchers, aware of this singular propensity, 

 having first limed several of the outer branches of a hedge, hide them- 



