114 Strigidce. 



that in its habit of flying much in the daytime for it does not 

 seem at all inconvenienced by brilliant sunshine in its rapid 

 flight, and in general appearance, it might easily be mistaken for 

 a hawk at first sight, but on closer examination the large square 

 head, which is its chief characteristic, and its general demeanour, 

 pronounces it to be unmistakably an owl* It is of a bold, fear- 

 less nature, little alarmed at the presence of man, ready to protect 

 its nest against all intruders, and defending itself when wounded 

 with remarkable courage and fury. The specific name funerea 

 literally ' belonging to a funeral/ and so * ill-boding ' and 

 ' dismal ' marks the opinion generally entertained in regard to 

 this bird. 



26. LITTLE OWL (Nodua passerina). 



Rare in England, but very numerous on the Continent, especially 

 in the warmer parts of it, is this diminutive species, scarcely larger 

 than the blackbird. It is essentially nocturnal, being quite in- 

 capable of moving by daylight, hence its scientific name noctua, 

 the ' night-bird ' ; but as evening approaches it becomes extremely 

 active, and shows great dexterity in securing its prey, which consists 

 of mice, beetles, and small birds. Other names by which it has 

 been known to science are N. nudipes and N. psilodactyla, both 

 of which have reference to the absence of feathers on the feet, 

 which are covered with bristles only. It is but rarely seen in 

 Scandinavia, where it is only known as an occasional visitor under 

 the name of Sparf Uggla, or ' Sparrow Owl,' a mere translation 

 of passerina. In France it is Chouette Cheveche ; in Germany, 

 Kleinerkauz ; in Italy, Civetta gialla ; in Spain, Mochuelo ; and 

 in Portugal, Mocho. In those latitudes it is reported to hunt by 

 day, but it is obvious that even the most nocturnal of beings, 

 and however impatient of sunlight, must, if it wanders so far 

 to the north, find its prey by daylight or starve ; for where the 

 sun is above the horizon all night during the short but brilliant 



* Fourth edition of Yarrell's 'British Birds/ vol. i., p. 185. See, too, 

 Zoologist for 1854, p. 4203 ; and Newman's edition of Montagu's ' Ornith. 

 Diet.' 



