468 



AVES— OWL. 



THE HAWK OWLi 



Is a connecting link between the hawk and owl tribes. It has one strong 

 trait of the hawk tribe in flying and preying by day, contrary to the general 

 habit of owls. It is characterized as a bold and active species, following 

 the fowler and carrying off his game as soon as shot. It is said to prey on 

 partridges and birds, and is very common in Hudson's Bay. It is rare in 

 the southern parts of the United States. Its favorite range seems to be 

 along the borders of the arctic regions. Of their nest and manner of breed- 

 ing we have no account. It is an inhabitant of both continents. 



It is worthy of remark, that in all owls that fly by night, the exterior 

 edges and sides of the wing quills are slightly i-ecurved, and end in fine 

 hairs or points ; by which means the bird is enabled to pass through the air 

 with the greatest silence, a provision necessary for enabling them the better 

 to secure their prey. In the hawk owl, which flies by day, and to whom 

 this contrivance would be of no consequence, it is accordingly omitted, or at 

 least is scarcely observable. 



THE RED 0WL2 



Is well known by its common name of the little screech oivl ; and noted for 

 its melancholy quivering kind of wailing in the evening, particularly towards 

 the latter part of summer and autumn, near the farmhouse. On clear moon- 

 light nights they answer each other from various parts of the fields or 

 orchards ; roost during the day in thick evergreens, such as cedar, pine, or 



^ Strix J'unerea, Gmel. 



2(S. asio, Lin. 



