SHORT-EARED OWL 35 



is possessed by most species; also to its better 

 sight in the daytime, and to its wandering dis- 

 position, which enables it to escape a threatened 

 famine, and to seize on unoccupied or favourable 

 ground. 



The bird loves an open country, and sits by day 

 on the ground concealed amongst the herbage or 

 tall grass. An hour before sunset it quits its hiding- 

 place and is seen perched on a bush or tall stalk, or 

 sailing about a few feet above the grotmd with a 

 singularly slow, heron-like flight ; and at intervals 

 while flying it smites its wings together under its 

 breast in a quick, sudden manner. It is not at all shy, 

 the intrusion of a man or dog in the field it frequents 

 only having the effect of exciting its indignation. 

 An imitation of its cry will attract all the individuals 

 within hearing about a person, and any loud unusual 

 sound, like the report of a gun, produces the same 

 effect. When alarmed or angry it utters a loud hiss, 

 and at times a shrill laugh-like cry. It also has a 

 dismal scream, not often heard ; and at twilight 

 hoots, this part of its vocal performance sounding 

 not unlike the distant baying of a mastiff or a blood- 

 hound. It breeds on the ground, clearing a circular 

 spot, and sometimes, but not often, lining it with 

 a scanty bed of dry grass. The eggs are three to five, 

 white, and nearly spherical. 



The Short-eared Owl was formerly common 

 everywhere on the pampas, where the coarse indi- 

 genous grasses afforded the shelter and conditions 

 best suited to it. When in time this old rough 



