BIRDS OF PREY. 



IOI 



timorous. Should they be molested by the sportsman, they at once lie down close -behind the branch 

 in which they are perched, and thus effectually put themselves out of both sight and gunshot. Their 

 voice somewhat resembles the syllables " Wi, wi, wi," and is not unlike the whimper of a child ; 

 this cry is heard principally in the evening and at early morning. The eggs, three or four in 

 number, are deposited about April or May in a hollow tree, and are similar to those of the Stone 

 Owl. Mice, insects, small birds, and bats constitute their principal food ; the latter, according to our 

 own observations, are caught on the wing. As in the case of the Uhu, all the small birds seem to 



THE BARN OWL (Strix /lammea). 



delight in mobbing and harrying this dreaded foe, whenever they discover it sitting in the day-time 

 perched and perfectly helpless. The young are destroyed in great numbers by the larger species of 

 Owls and other enemies. A Hairy-footed Owl kept in Dr. Brehm's house soon became extremely 

 tame, and though at first it invariably took refuge in the darkest corner of its dark cage, it soon lost 

 this habit, and hopped about even during the day ; it took its food from the hand of its master, and 

 carried it to a quiet nook to be devoured, concealing the prize with its feathers whilst it ate. It 

 seldom drank, but bathed almost daily when the weather was warm ; if cold, it crouched upon the 

 ground, drawing up its feet under its body. Its voice sounded occasionally somewhat like the low 

 bark of a dog. 



