148 



THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



composed of four or five birds. Possibly these are families which have 

 never been separated, having migrated in company from their nesting 

 grounds. Large colonies, containing several hundred individuals, have 

 been known to congregate in some desirable locality to spend the 

 winter, and it is stated that they occasionally breed in considerable 

 colonies. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Ear tufts inconspicuous, much shorter than middle toe with claws. 



Color: Whole plumage varying from bright tawny to bufify white, 

 with conspicuous dark brown stripes. 



Length: 13.75 to 17 inches (350 to 432>""); extent, about 43 inches 

 (1092"""); wing, 12 to 13 inches (305 to 330'"'°); tail, 5.75 to 6.10 

 inches (145 to 156""°). 



Table showing the results of examinations of 101 stomachs 6f the Short-eared Owl 



(Asio acdpitrinus). 



