128 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. 



Recently many scores of these splendid birds have been 

 killed, as a result of fashion's latest whim — calling for long 

 quill feathers for women's hats. 



Black Vulture, (Catharista itrubu.) —These ill-favored but 

 very useful birds are quite abundant, and even semi-domes- 

 ticated, in some of our southern cities. This is due to the 

 protection accorded them, because of their valuable services 

 as scavengers. They are said to devour every particle of 

 exposed organic refuse, and in a warm climate these services 

 are of more value than we in the north can realize. The 

 bare head enables the bird to feed without danger of soiling 

 its feathers. 



The Red-Tailed Hawk, (Buteo borealis).—The "Hen 

 Hawk," or "Chicken Hawk," is one of our commonest birds 

 of prey. It hardly merits its common name, as its favorite 

 food is mice and other small mammals. This is the hawk 

 seen, in the fall of the year, going south in flocks, sometimes 

 of one hundred or more. Its distinguishing mark is its rich 

 rufous tail, and its four notched outer wing feathers. The 

 hats of our lady friends afford abundant opportunities for 

 the study of these feathers. 



The Snowy Owl, (Nyctea nyctea), of the Arctic regions, 

 migrating in winter to the northern United States, some- 

 times remains for several seasons in succession so far north 

 that no specimens are obtainable. During 1899, 1900, and 

 the first half of 1901, not one specimen could be procured, 

 but in the late autumn of 1901 a southward migration be- 

 gan. On June 1, 1902, the Park exhibited eight fine speci- 

 mens, one of which was almost pure white. During the 

 three hottest months of summer, these birds would suffer 

 considerably, so during this period they are confined in a 

 cool, dark cellar, thus keeping in perfect health and comfort 

 throughout the year. 



The Great Homed Owl, {Bubo virginianus). — These noc- 

 turnal birds of prey inhabit heavily wooded regions, feed- 

 ing on mice, and poultry when it is obtainable. The bright 

 yellow iris, the conspicuous feather horns, and the appar- 

 ently pivoted neck are curious features of these birds. 

 Their reputation for wisdom is founded only on their ex- 

 ternal appearance, for in reality they are rather dull birds. 



The Barred Owl, {Syrnium variitm). — This owl is more 

 diurnal than its nearest relatives, and often hunts its prey 

 in bright sunshine. Its deep, penetrating call, "whoo-o-o, 

 whoo-o-o,' ' is one of the most weird and striking cries of the 

 bird world. Another peculiarity, common to all owls, but 

 more noticeable in this less nocturnal species, is the absolute- 



