RAPTORES 103 



inhabits the stream gorges in which there is a considerable 

 growth of evergreen trees, in winter, and may be closely ap- 

 proached there. While it is strictly nocturnal it can seie 

 well enough in bright sunlight to thread its way in rapid 

 flight throtagh the ma'zes of the" trees. Its confidence in its 

 protective colors and attitude often proves fatal. 



This owl may be identfied in the field as a medium- 

 sized bird with conspicuous ear tufts. The only other owls 

 with conspicuous ear tufts are either so much smaller or so 

 much larger that one should have no difficulty in making 

 the determination. 



"The Long-eared Owl is one of our most beneficial spe- 

 cies, destroying vast numbers of injurious rodents and sel- 

 dom touching insectivorous birds As this owl is 



readily destroyed, it is the one that suffers most when short- 

 sighted legislators enact laws for the destruction of the 

 birds of prey It is both cruel and pernicious to mo- 

 lest a bird so valuable and innocent as the one under con- 

 sideration." (Fisher.) Like other birds of prey, this owl 

 will attack poultry or even small dogs when hard pressed 

 for food. Insects may form. a fair proportion of the sum- 

 mer diet of these birds where they are easier to obtain than 

 rodents. 



139. (367.) Asio accipitrinus (Pall.). 154. 

 Short-eared Owl. 



Synonyms: Brachyotus palustris, Strix brachyotus, Brachyo- 

 tus cassinii, Otus brachyotus, Strix accipitrinus. 

 Marsh Owl, Prairie Owl. 

 Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 179. 



This owl is just as truly a bird of the open fields as the 

 Long-eared is of the woods. It even nests on the ground, 

 and roosts under overhanging banks in almost any ditch or 

 considerable gorge. In Lorain county I have never seen 

 more than two together, and they on the lake shore in win- 

 ter. Several are seen each winter or early spring, but it 

 must be regarded as uncommon if not rare. I have never 

 seen it in summer. It appears to be common during the win- 



