138 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES, 



remains of the broken pellets dropped by the birds. The number of 

 eggs in a nest is usually from four to seven, though Prof. Evermann 

 found sets containing as many as ten in Ventura County, Oal. Un- 

 doubtedly, as with other species, the number of eggs depends upon the 

 food supply, the number being greatest where food is most abundant. 



The period of incubation is from three to three and one-half weeks. 

 As a bird wUl occasionally begin to set soon after the first egg is 

 deposited and as eggs are laid on alternate days, the last one wiU not 

 hatch until two weeks after the first. This habit accounts for the 

 great difference in size in individuals of the same family. When the 

 cavity containing the nest is large enough both birds usually occupy it. 



Unlike most of our Owls, which are hardy northern species, endur- 

 ing very low temperatures with impunity, the Barn Owl seems to be 

 unable to withstand much cold weather; in all probability it some- 

 times perishes in the northern part of its range, when overtaken by 

 severe weather, before being able to migrate. 



This Owl is one of the most distinctively nocturnal of the tribe, 

 but like all the others it can see perfectly well in the brightest day- 

 light, when for any reason it is required to leave its retreat. It usually 

 sleeps during the day, sitting upright in a dark nook or crevice, in the 

 shadow of a bridge or among the dense foliage of some grove or reedy 

 marsh. Except in the breeding season the Barn Owl may be con- 

 sidered more or less gregarious, families of seven or ten individuals 

 being often found together, and colonies of fifty or more have been 

 observed. 



Besides its shrieking or screeching note, which is heard more often 

 in spring, it has a nasal one which has been termed a ' snore.' The 

 peculiar and almost ludicrous expression of the physiognomy of this 

 bird, as it sits upright with half-closed eyes, has suggested to the 

 minds of many a fanciful resemblance to a monkey; hence the origin 

 of the name ' Monkey-faced Owl, ' which is a common appellation for 

 the bird in many parts of the country, especially Florida. In this State 

 the credulous have been led to believe that certain birds with monkeys' 

 heads exist in the remote recesses of the Everglades. The plumage of 

 this bird is even softer and more silky than that of the other Owls, and 

 its flight, if possible, is more silent. 



DESCEIPTION. 



Facial disk not circular, but somewhat triangular. Middle and inner 

 claws of equal length; inner edge of middle claw jagged; wing long, 

 reaching beyond tail when folded ; tail about half the length ot wmg. 



Color. — Above, ochraceous-yellow, more or less marbled with white 

 or ashy, and speckled with black, and sometimes with white spots. 

 Below, varying in every degree from silky white to bright tawny, dot- 

 ted with black spots. Eyes small, black. 



