RAPTORES — . , 108 
inhabits the stream. gorges in which there is a considerable 
growth of evergreen trees, in winter, and may be closely ap- 
proached there. While it is strictly nocturnal it can see 
well enough in bright sunlight to thread its way in rapid 
flight through the mazes of the trees. Its confidence in its 
protective colors and attitude often proves fatal. 
This owl may be identfied in the field as a medium- 
sized bird with conspicuous ear tufts. The only other owls 
with conspicuous ear tufts are either so much smaller or so 
much larger that one should have no difficulty in making 
the determination. 
“The Long-eared Owl is one of our most beneficial spe- 
cies, destroying vast numbers of injurious rodents and sel- 
dom touching insectivorous birds. ..... As this owl is 
readily destroyed, it is the one that suffers most when short- 
sighted legislators enact laws for the destruction of the 
birds of prey...... It is both cruel and pernicious to mo- 
lest a bird so valuable and innocent as the one under con- 
sideration.” (Fisher.) Like other birds of prey, this owl 
will attack poultry or even small dogs when hard pressed 
for food. Insects may:.form a fair proportion. of the sum- 
mer diet of these birds where they are easier to obtain than 
rodents. 
139. (367.) Asio acciprTrINus (Pall.). 154. 
Short-eared Owl. 
Synonyms: Brachyotus palustris, Strix brachyotus, Brachyo- 
tus cassinii, Otus brachyotus, Strix accipitrinus. 
Marsh Owl, Prairie Owl. 
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161, 179. 
This owl is just as truly a bird of the open fields as the 
Long-eared is of the woods. It even nests on the ground, 
and roosts under overhanging banks in almost any ditch or 
considerable gorge. In Lorain county I have never seen 
more than two together, and they on the lake shore in win- 
ter. Several are seen each winter or early spring, but it 
must be regarded as uncommon if not rare. I have never 
seen it in summer. It appears to be common during the win- 
