BIRDS OF PREY. 



89 



imagine that its notes distinctly express the words, " Komm mit, komm mit auf den Kirchhof, 

 hof, hof," or, in plain English, that the sepulchral voice is forewarning either themselves or some 

 members of their family of impending death, and speedy consignment to the tomb. In the southern 

 parts of Europe, where Stone Owls are met with much more frequently than in Germany, familiarity- 

 has bred contempt, and these old wives' tales are entirely unknown. The flight of this bird is very 

 peculiar, owing to the shortness of its wings, and much resembles that of a Woodpecker. Whilst 

 perched it usually draws its head down upon its shoulders ; but if attracted by some object, for it sees 

 excellently well in the daylight, it sits erect and peers at it with so keen and intelligent an eye as 

 fully to explain the reason that to this species was assigned the honour of attending on the Goddess 

 of Wisdom. 



The Stone Owls are extremely social, and live on very peaceable terms with their companions, 

 dwelling in the same hole, and going together in search of prey. Twilight has scarcely set in 

 before their voices are heard as they sweep about in pursuit of the small quadrupeds, birds, 



THE STONE OWL {Athene tioctiia). 



and insects upon which they subsist ; the whole night is passed in pursuit of food, very much to 

 the annoyance of many a weary sleeper, who is roused from pleasant dreams by the sudden dash 

 of their bodies against the window as they vainly endeavour to get to the fire or taper burning 

 within. During the breeding season they become extremely restless and noisy, and utter their 

 strange cry throughout the whole day. The eggs, four to seven in number, are deposited about 

 May in a hole in some old tree or building ; the nestlings are hatched in a fortnight after the eggs are 

 laid, and are reared upon mice, young birds, and insects. These Owls are frequently captured in 

 Italy for the purpose of domestication, as they are easily tamed, and render themselves eminently 

 useful in houses and gardens, by keeping the premises clear of mice and a variety of noxious insects. 

 It is no uncommon thing to see three or four of them fastened to a perch in the stall of an 

 Italian cobbler or tailor, who amuses himself by observing them as he plies his trade. These 

 prisoners usually display great affection for their master, who rears them upon polmta when meat 

 is beyond his means. 



The BURROWING OWLS (Phokoptynx) are a family of very remarkable birds, about the 



VOL. II.—SI .. . 



