158 ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. 



Holland. Mr. Mill met with it in Orkney. It inhabits 

 clefts of the rocks, or deserted buildings in the moun- 

 tains, and rarely descends into the plains. It preys most 

 in the dusk, but occasionally flies abroad in the day- 

 light and during the night, and feeds not only on mice, 

 rats, and moles, but even on young rabbits, leverets, 

 and young fawns. When other food is not to be pro- 

 cured it attacks snakes, lizards, and frogs. Its nest is 

 about three feet in diameter, composed of branches held 

 together by means of roots and twigs, and lined inter- 

 nally with leaves. The female lays two or three eggs 

 of a dull white as large as a hen's. The young are 

 exceedingly voracious, and the parents bring home to 

 them a vast quantity of prey. 



In captivity these Owls feed on all kinds of flesh, 

 and do not even reject fish. Like many other Birds of 

 Prey they require but little drink. Their cry during 

 the night, especially when hungry, is extremely harsh 

 and disagreeable. 



