186 THE HAWKS AND OWI.S OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Tbf. situation of the nest, if tlie few feathers, liclieris, or moss com- 

 posing it may be called a nest, is on some knoll slightly elevated above 

 the surrounding country and usually occupies a slight depression in the 

 ground. During the time the female is setting the male keeps guard 

 and drives off any intruder, at times attacking even human beings. It 

 the duty of the male to procure the food for the young, and the female 

 apportions it among the family. 



The bird is naturally very gentle in disposition and soon becomes 

 tame in confinement. It has been taught to remain in the vicinity of 

 its home and return to its master at the sound of a whistle. In the 

 open country it is shy and very difficult to approach, though it is said 

 to be less so in the wooded districts. The natives frequently decoy the 

 bird near enough to shoot by attaching a bit of fur to the end of a string 

 and allowing it to trail behind them as they walk; the Owl, thinking 

 it a mouse, flies down to seize it, when the hunter turns around and 

 shoots the bird. 



The Snowy Owl is diurnal in its habits, but like most birds is more 

 active in search of prey during the early morning and again toward 

 dusk. Like many of the Hawks, it occupies a commanding perch for 

 hours, watching what is going on about it, occasionally varying the 

 monotony by dropping on a mouse or launching out over the broad 

 country, soon to return to its perch. During its southern wanderings 

 it is very partial to localities in the vicinity of water, especially the 

 barren sand wastes along the seashore or extensive marshy flats border- 

 ing the bays and rivers. 



Dr. William Wood states that he once knew one of these Owls to hide 

 in a hollow apple-tree stub to escape the annoyance caused by a mob of 

 crows following him, which ruse accomplished the desired result. 



The flesh is light colored, somewhat resembling that of the chicken 

 in appearance, and is very much relished by the Eskimo hunters. Thus' 

 this bird, unlike its congeners, has some value to humanity as a food. 



The flight is firm, smooth, and noiseless, and may be long protracted. 

 It is capable of rapid flight, and, according to Audubon, is able to 

 capture ducks, pigeons, and even grouse on the wing, striking them 

 down after the manner of the duck hawk. 



DESCEIPTION. 



Ear tufts rudimentary. Plumage pure white, sometimes almost un- 

 spotted, but usually marked more or less with transverse spots or bars 

 of slaty brown. 



Length: 20 to 27 inches (508 to 685"™); extent, 59 to 62.50 inches 

 (1500 to 1588'""); wing, 15.50 to 18.75 inches (393 to 476"""); tail, 9 to 

 10.30 inches (229 to 262™™). 



