HAWKS AND OWLS 149 



Owls 



While even less active than hawks, owls are rather more 

 satisfactory as captives, since most species are hardier and 

 have a much higher average longevity. While apparently 

 not so receptive of learning as the hawks, the apparent 

 defect is probably due to difference in habit rather than to 

 inferiority in intelligence. Although some of the larger 

 species are almost intractable, many become exceedingly 

 tame and make most charming pets. 



The once common belief that owls are unable to see by 

 daylight has now become less general. Some species, such 

 as the Snowy Owl, habitually hunt by day and all are able 

 to make at least some use of their powers of vision, even 

 in bright sunlight. Owls are at their best during evening 

 and morning twilight, and it is then that they are most 

 active. 



Owls do well in enclosed cages, as described for hawks, 

 but as they are less inclined than hawks to dash about when 

 the cage is entered by the attendant, more open wirework is 

 permissible. Most owls like a retiring box provided with a 

 perch, though some species, as the Snowy Owl, will not 

 enter. This box should be provided with sawdust or 

 wood-pulp, if occupied by a pair of birds, as owls not infre- 

 quently breed in captivity. It is worth noting that a mated 

 pair, or an uncommonly savage individual, may destroy 

 cage-mates. Such birds should be watched for and 

 removed. 



The feeding of owls is similar to that of hawks, with the 

 exception that it is best done in the evening, so that the birds 

 will eat before the food has been too long in the cage. Owls 

 should be dieted and fasted as advised for hawks. 



The owls most usually seen in captivity in the United 

 States are specimens of the various forms of the Screech 



