SCREECH OWL 



This bird may be one of two colo'rs, brownish-gray or 

 brownish-red; above, somewhat darker color mixed with 

 blackish ; ear tufts an inch long suggesting horns ; wings and 

 tail barred; underparts white streaked with black; legs covered 

 with feathers. Length, eight to ten inches. Nest, in a hollow 

 stump or tree and composed of a few feathers or leaves. Eggs, 

 four to six, round and white, 1.30 x 1.40 inches. 



This little Owl is only one of twenty species found in our 

 country. It is common throughout the Northern States and 

 remains with us summer and winter. During the day, it 

 retires to thick woods or hides in bams and hollow trees. This 

 is due to the fact that the eye of this Owl is so constructed that 

 it can see well only in the night. 



Screech Owls live upon smaller birds, animals and insects. 

 These they hunt by night. The small birds appear to know 

 that these enemies can do them no harm in the day time, and 

 they seek revenge upon them. With war cries well known 

 among birds, they soon gather a motley -Sock of many species 

 to attack one of their hated enemies when it is discovered 

 blinking helplessly in the daylight. Blackbirds, Sparrows and 

 even the gentle Robins join in the warfare. Dazed, stunned 

 and frightened by the assaults, the Owjl flies away to some 

 thicket for safety while its tormentors chatter and scream with 

 delight at its defeat and flight. Possibly the Owl consoles 

 itself with the thought that it will be even with its tormentors 

 before midnight. 



The Screech Owl is oftenest seen in late autumn or winter 

 when the scarcity of food drives it near our dwellings in search 



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