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— 4, 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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