104 BIBDS OF OHIO. 
ter in some parts of the southern counties, and likely nests 
in the more extensive prairies and swampy regions. It may 
be known by its habit of feeding during the early forenoon 
and late afternoon in broad day, and by its habit of feeding 
in the fields. While it has ear tufts'they are too small to be 
seen unless the bird raises them in excitement. 
“The food of this Owl consists largely of mice and other 
small mammals. A number of species of insects, birds, and 
reptiles also may be mentioned as occasionally contributing 
to its fare. Fully 75 per cent of the stomachs examined in 
the Department of Agriculture contained mice. ... Of the 
other mammals which this Owl feeds upon may be men- 
tioned shrews, gophers, and sometimes small rabbits.” 
(Fisher.) The verdict.is clearly for protection of this owl, 
even if he does sometimes kill useful animals. 
140. (368.) Syrnium vartumM (Barton). 155. 
Barred Owl. 
Synonyms: Strix nebulosa. Syrnium nebulosum. 
Hoot Owl, American Wood Owl, Round-headed Owl. 
Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 161. 
This is the most common large owl, and_stands next to 
the Screech Owl in numbers. It is strictly resident through- 
out the state, and as strictly arboreal. It is nocturnal, but 
sometimes feeds during dark days or at twilight. Its cry 
“who cooks for you, who cooks for you, whol’ may be 
heard in almost ‘any large woods during the early evening 
or early morning hours, while its blood-curdling caterwaul- 
ings are more often reserved for the small hours when the 
camper is sure to be asleep! In these later days some of 
the thrilling accounts of “encounters” with wild cats and 
panthers in the more settled districts of the state are trace- 
able to the night calls of this owl. Certain it is that’a sud- 
den awakening in the wee hours with the unearthly squalls 
from this owl, perched just overhead, ringing in your ears, 
meets instant response from your hair! 
“In summing up the facts relating to the food habits of 
this Owl it appears that, while the general statements of 
Fs. ee eee 
