142 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE.. 
GREAT HORNED OWL. SPECTACLED OWL. 
gan. On June 1, 1911, the Park exhibited six 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 Screech Owl, (Otus asio).—This little horned owl is 
our commonest species, and frequents the neighborhood of 
dwellings and orchards. Being nocturnal it is more com- 
mon than is generally supposed, and its curious ery, which 
is not a screech, but a musical, quavering series of notes, is 
the cause most frequently leading to its discovery. Its two 
phases of plumage, red and gray, occur independently of 
sex, age or season. Its food consists of mice and insects. 
The Barred Owl, (Syrnituim cvariun)—This owl is more 
diurnal than its nearest relatives, and often hunts its prey 
in bright moonshine. Its deep, penetrating call, ‘‘woo-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- 
ly noiseless flight. The soft, downy feathers of the owl 
permit it to wing its way through the air with as little noise 
as a falling leaf. 
