Large Nests in Trees 



The breeding season begins early in April. The period of in- 

 cubation occupies about three weeks. 



368. Barred Owl : Syrnium nebulosum (Forst.) 



Eggs white. 



See Page 97, Chapter VI. 



368a. Florida Barred Owl: S. n. alleni Ridgw. 



Eggs white. 



See Page 98, Chapter VI. 



372. Saw-whet or Acadian Owl: Nyctala acadica 



(Gmel.) 



Eggs white. 



See Page 98, Chapter VI. 



375. Great Horned Owl: Bubo virginianus (Gmel.) 



Adult — Upper parts mottled buff brown and black ; under parts 

 same colours, barred ; ear-tufts two inches long ; feet and 

 legs feathered. Length — 5 , 22.00. 



Breeding Range — Throughout the Eastern States. 



The nest is a large structure of sticks, leaves, bark, and 

 feathers, placed usually in a coniferous tree ; very often a squir- 

 rel's, crow's, or hawk's nest is used. Sometimes the nest is in a 

 hole in a tree, and rarely amongst rocks. 2 to 3 (Minot gives the 

 limit as 4) white eggs are laid. Size — 2.25 x 1.85. 



These large feathered prowlers of the night roam through the 

 darkened forests in search of birds and small animals, upon which 

 they prey ; neither do they scorn to enter the barn-yard, and 

 many a chicken is taken to satisfy their own appetite or to feed 

 their hungry owlets. Their dismal hooting is one of the most 

 uncanny sounds heard during the night ; to thoroughly appre- 

 ciate it one should be alone in the woods, when it brings up by 

 no means pleasing thoughts. 



The nesting season begins towards the end of February. 



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