154 THE HAWKS AND OWLS OP THE UNITED STATES. 



cautiously appear from behind the trunk, and after a few bewildered 

 glances they beat a precipitate retreat, doubtless very much chagrined 

 at the deception. 



This is one of the most noisy of the Owls, and probably is offcener 

 heard than any other. This is particularly true in the mating sea- 

 son, at which time, in localities where it is abundant, the woods re- 

 sound with its weird bat not unpleasant notes from early dusk to morn, 

 and even at intervals during the day. At no time of the year is it 

 altogether quiet, though during the period the young are being cared 

 for it is seldom heard. Years ago in the months of October and No- 

 vember, while camping' in the Adirondack wilderness in northern New 

 York, one or more of these birds were heard nearly every evening, and 

 a few times during the day. On one occasion, by imitating their notes. 

 Dr. 0. Hart Merriam brought two or three in close proximity to the 

 camp, but we were unable to secure specimens on account of the 

 darkness. 



The flight is light, easy, rapid, and, as with other Owls, noiseless, 



DESCEIPTION. 



Large size. No ear tufts. General color deep umber-brown and 

 buffy whitish. The plumage everywhere barred transversely except 

 on the belly, where the stripes run lengthwise ; bill yellow ; eyes brown- 

 black. 



Length: 19 to 24 inches (482 to 610'""); extent about 46 inches 



(1168""); wing 12.50 to 14 inches (317 to 355" 

 (228 to 254""). 



") ; tail 9 to 10 inches 



Table sliowing the results of examinations of 109 stomachs of tlie Barred Owl 

 (Syrnium neiulosum). 



