Plate LXIV. 



Fig, 8. SCOPS ASIO-Litite Screech Owl. 



The Little Screech Owl, or Mottled Owl, is one of the commonest of its tribe, not only in the State 

 of Ohio, but throughout the United States generally. It is a permanent resident here as elsewhere, 

 caring nothing for extremes of heat or cold as long as mice and other small game abound. 



It builds its nest early, as do all other Owls, the time being from the last of February to the last 

 of April. But one brood is generally reared during the year. 



LOCALITY : 



The nest is placed in a hollow trunk or limb of a tree in retired woods, or in an orchard. Sometimes 

 a shade tree about a country dwelling or even in town is the selected site. Next to the thickly wooded 

 islands of rivers this Owl prefers an old and deserted orchard for its home, choosing for the nest a hole 

 in a gnarled and weather-beaten trunk. 



POSITION : 



The nest rests upon the bottom of the cavity, whether in a perpendicular or horizontal limb. It is 

 seldom nearer the opening than a foot or two and often is eight or ten feet distant. Its height from the 

 ground is very variable, sometimes it is within five feet, and then again it is well toward the top of the 

 tallest tree. Usually it is not higher than fifteen feet. 



MATERIALS: 



Sometimes the eggs are laid upon the rotten wood in the bottom of the chosen cavity, but usually 

 grass, dried leaves, a few feathers, and like materials are loosely matted together on its floor. The same 

 hole is often occupied for a series of years by a pair of these Owls, in this case there is frequently quite 

 an accumulation of rubbish. 



EGGS: 



The number of eggs in a set varies from four to six. They are nearly spherical in form, have smooth 

 shells, and are pure white. They measure in long-diameter from 1.34 to 1.58 inches, and in short-diameter 

 from 1.18 to 1.25. A common size is about 1.23 x 1.48. 



DIFFERENTIAL POINTS: 

 See page 216. 



REMARKS : 



Fig. 8, Plate LXIV, represents three eggs of the Little Screech Owl, of the common sizes and shapes. 



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