90 STRIGID^ : OWLS. 



A very common New England species, like the last, 

 but strictly nocturnal, seeming dazed by the light when- 

 ever it is forced to fly from the dark nooks where it 

 loves to pass the day. The Great Horned Owl, on the 

 other hand, flies well by day, seeming little incommoded 

 in the sunshine. The nest of this little species is in a 

 hollow tree, with sticks, leaves or feathers to receive 

 the eggs : these are four to six in number, measuring 

 about 1.40 by 1.25, and are laid usually in April. The 

 bird is one of those that comes the most familiarly about 

 houses, sometimes even taking up its residence in an out- 

 building. Its tremulous, screeching notes, very different 

 from the deep-mouthed hooting of the larger Owls, are 

 familiar to all who have any experience with rural 

 sounds. Like other Owls, the whole tribe of which are 

 more notable in such respect than the diurnal birds of 

 prey, the present species is very beneficial to the farmer 

 by destroying field-mice. It is indeed to be regretted 

 that the good offices of Owls are not more fully recog- 

 nized. Though " the mousing Owl " is proverbial, few 

 appear to have learned the full truth of the expression. 



LONG-EARED OWL. 

 Asio wiLSONiANUS (Less.) Coues. 



Chars. A medium-sized species, witli conspicuous ear-tufts, facial 

 disc complete, immense external ears, and feathered feet. Plu- 

 mage above intimately variegated with dark brown, fulvous, and 

 whitish ; breast more fulvous, sharply striped ; belly whiter, 

 striped and barred with blackish ; wings and tail motded, and 

 closely barred with fulvous and dark brown. Face pale tawny, 

 with black spots and eye-patches ; bill and claws blackish. 

 Length, 14.00-15.00; extent, 36.00; wing, 11.00-12.00; tail, 

 5.00-6.00 ; ear-tufts about 2 inches long, of 8 to 12 feathers. 



