t2 OWLS 



evergreens. Its note resembles the "sound made when a 

 large-tooth saw is being filed." 



SCREECH OWL 

 Otus asio asio. Case i, Figs. 13, 14 



The two sexes are alike, the two color phases being individual 

 and representing dichromatism. Among animals, gray and black 

 squirrels furnish a similar case. The ear-like feather-tufts give 

 the bird a cat-like appearance, hence the name 'Cat Owl.' The 

 young are downy-looking creatures evenly barred with dusky. 

 L. o*. 



Range. Screech Owls are found throughout the greater part 

 of the Western Hemisphere. Our eastern form occurs in the 

 eastern United States from Canada southward. The Florida 

 race (0. a. floridanus. Case 3, Pig. 19) is smaller and of a darker 

 gray than the northern bird. The 'red' phase is rare. 



Washington, common P. R. Ossining, common P. R. Cam- 

 bridge, common P. R. N. Ohio, common P. R. Glen Ellyn, 

 common P. R. SE. Minn., common P. R. 



This, the smallest of our 'horned' Owls, is also the com- 

 monest. It lives near and sometimes in our homes even 

 when they are situated in towns. Its tremulous, wailing 

 whistle (in no sense a 'screech') is therefore one of our 

 most characteristic twilight bird-notes. Mice and insects 

 form the greater part of the Screech Owl's fare. Four to 

 six white eggs are laid in a hollow tree, bird-box, or similar 

 site in April. 



GREAT HORNED OWL 

 Bubo virginianus virginianus. Case 1, Fig. 16 



Largest of the 'horned' Owls. L. 22. 



Range. Western Hemisphere in many forms; our form is 

 confined to the eastern United States. A Permanent Resident. 



Washington, rare P. R. Ossining, tolerably common P. R. 

 Cambridge, uncommon, autumn^or winter. N. Ohio, rare P. R. 

 SE. Minn., common P. R. 



The Great Horned Owl retreats before the civilization 

 that destroys the forests in which it lives. In thinly 



