BIRDS OF PREY. 



97 



in some moss and lichens that had overgrown the trunk of an old tree ; it contained but one round, 

 smooth-shelled, white egg. 



THE WOODLAND OWL. 

 The Woodland Owl (Otus sylvestris) in many respects resembles the Uhu, from which it is 

 distinguished by the slenderness of its shape, its long wings, in which the second quill exceeds the 

 rest in length, its short feet, and a large tuft behind each very highly developed ear. The whole body 

 is of a dull reddish yellow, spotted and marked with greyish brown above, and with dark brown 

 beneath. The ear is whitish within, and black on its exterior ; the face is greyish yellow. The length 

 of this bird is from thirteen to fourteen inches, its breadth from thirty-five to thirty-eight inches. 



the MARSH OWL (Olits Irachyotus). 



The Woodland Owl abounds throughout Europe and Asia, and is particularly numerous in the 

 central portions of both continents. In North America it is replaced by a very similar species, which, 

 until recently, was supposed to be identical with that inhabiting the Eastern hemisphere. These birds, 

 as their name indicates, dwell in and around woods and forests, in the recesses of which they remain 

 during the day, only flying by night in quest of food. In their habits they resemble the Uhu, but are 

 less cruel and violent in their disposition. During the breeding season they live in pairs, after that 

 period they assemble in flocks, and sweep together over the face of the country, but never actually 

 migrate. So fearless is this bird, that should a man approach, it not only remains quietly upon its 

 perch, but in some instances will not stir until shaken from the branches. Shrew mice, field mice, 

 and small birds constitute its principal food, and we must therefore pronounce it to be a benefactor 

 both to the gardener and the farmer. The Woodland Owl rarely constructs its own nest, but takes 



VOL. II. — 52 



