Eagle Owl. RAPTORES. BUBO. 83 



the few instances on record, the birds can only be regarded 



as wanderers, or compelled by tempest to cross the Northern Occasional 



Ocean *. ^^^^t^"t- 



It preys upon fauns, rabbits, the different species of grous. Food. 

 rats, &c. — It builds amid rocks, or on lofty trees, and lays *"'" ' "^ ^' 

 two or three egs, larger than those of a hen, round at each 

 end, and of a bluish- white colour. 



According to Temminck, it is common in Russia, Hun- 

 gary, Germany, and Switzerland. It is also stated to be a 

 native of Africa ; but has not been met with in the New 

 World. Its place is there supplied by the Virginian and 

 Arctic Horned Owls. 



The Athenian Horned Owl of Edwards appears to be a 

 small variety of this species ; and Dr Latham enumerates 

 amongst its varieties, the Smooth-legged, and Magellanic 

 Eared Owl or Jurucatu. This latter, indeed, is now with 

 greater probability supposed to have been a bird of the pre- 

 sent species, denuded of feathers upon the tarsi by moult, or 

 some accidental cause. As the rarity of the bird in this 

 country permits so few opportunities of learning any parti- 

 culars of its habits, I avail myself of Sir Wm. Jardine's 

 interesting observations upon an individual that he kept for 

 several years, and which by his kindness has now come into 

 my possession. See Note on the Great-horned Owl in Sii" 

 Wm. Jaudine's edition of Wilson's American Ornithology, 

 2. 257. 



Plate 19- The figure on this Plate represents a male bird 

 of this species, in the proportion of about three-fifth 

 parts of the natural size. 

 Base of the bill pale yellowish-brown, the tip darker. General 

 Irides bright orpiment-orange. Upper parts of thejjo^,"^^" 

 body varied and spotted with black, ochre-yellow, and 



* I have been lately informed, from very good authority, that one of the 

 above species was killed on the upland moors in the county of Durham 

 some years ago. This specimen was afterwards in Mr Bullock's museum. 



