66 



NORTH A.MERI(."AN BIRDS. 



Sir Jolm Eiclmrdson speaks of it as not iincoinnion in the Arctic regions. 

 It is abundant in Caniida, and throughout all parts of the United .States. 

 Dr. Gamhcl met witii it also in large nunihers in tlie wooded regions of 

 Upper California. Dr. Ileerinann i'ound it very common around Sacra- 

 mento in 184'.l, but afterwards, owing to tlie increase in population, it had 

 become comparatively rare. Dr. Woodliouse met with it in tlie Imlian 

 Territory, though not abundantly. Lieutenant Couch obtained specimens in 

 Mexico, and j\Ir. Schott in Texas. 



In the regions northwest of tlie Yukon River, Mr. llobcrt Kennicott found 

 a pair of these birds breeding on the lOtli of April. The female was pro- 



r^- .■ {■■v:.">**^ -§^»»' i'^t ...1- "-- -'\.- 



Eubn rirtjinlnnits. 



cured, and proved to be of a dark plumage. The nest, formed of dry spruce 

 branches retaining their leaves, was placed near the top of a large green 

 spruce, in thick woods. It was large, measuring three or four feet across at 

 base. The eggs were placed in a shallow depression, whicli was lined with a 

 few feathers. Two more eugs were found in the ovarv of the female, — one 

 broken, llie other not larger tlian a musket-ball. Tlie eggs were fro/en on 

 their way to llic fort. Mr. TJoss states that he found this Owl very abun- 

 dant around C4reat Slave Lake, but that it boi'amo l(!ss common as they 

 proceeded farther north. It was remarkably jilentiful in th(! marshes around 



