158 



THE HAWKS AND OWLS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



The following species of mammals were positively identified among 

 the stomach contents : Scapanus americwnus, Arvipota riparius, Blarina 

 brevicauda, and Sitomys americanus. 



Eichardson found a nest on May 23 which contained three young. It 

 was situated in a lofty balsam poplar and was composed of sticks, with 

 a lining of feathers. The nest found by Mr. McFarlane on July 19, on 

 the Anderson Eiver, was placed in the top of a pine [spruce] about 20 

 feet from the ground and contained two eggs and two young. Prob- 

 ably the number of eggs in a set varies from three to five, and their 

 deposition usually takes place some time in April. 



Dr. Dall considers it a stupid bird and states that sometimes it may 

 be caught in the hands. Its great predilection for thick woods, in 

 which it dwells doubtless to the very limit of trees, prevents it from bein g 

 an inhabitant of the barren grounds or other open country in the 

 North. It is crepuscular or slightly nocturnal in the southern parts of 

 its range, but in the high North it pursues its prey in the daytime. 

 In the latter region, where the sun never passes below the horizon in 

 summer, it is undoubtedly necessity and not choice that prompts it to 

 be abroad in the daylight. 



It is stated that the flight is heavy and somewhat labored, and has 

 not the bouyancy noted in that of most of the Owls. This statement 

 may result from the point of view of the observer, for it does not seem 

 likely that its flight differs materially from that of the Barred Owl. 



The note of this Owl is said to be a tremulous, vibTating sound, some- 

 what resembling that of the Screech Owl. 



DESCRIPTION. 



Largest of our Owls. No ear tufts. Wing, 16 to 18 inches (406 to 

 456'"™); bill, small, nearly hidden by feathers; eyes, yellow; general 

 color, dusky grayish brown and grayish white. 



Length: 25 to 30 inches (635 to 762""") ; extent, 54 to 60 inches (1370 

 to 1524™™); wing, 16 to 18 inches (406 to 456™™); tail, 11 to 12.5 inches 

 (280 to 317™™). 



SuMMABY.— Of 9 stoniacLs examined, 1 contained a small bird ; 7, mice ; and 4, other mammals. 



