Large Nests in Trees 



These beautiful birds are fairly abundant in southern Florida ; 

 and though they sometimes come near the smaller towns, it is 

 only when there is some special attraction, such as a slaughter- 

 house, that they assemble with the flocks of turkey vultures. 

 More often they frequent the somewhat open country, away from 

 human habitation. 



The breeding season begins in early March. 



364. American Osprey; Fish Hawk: Pandion Inaliaetus 

 carolinensis (Gmel.) 



Adult 5 — Upper parts grayish brown, with more or less white 

 markings on top of head ; under parts white, sometimes 

 marked with dark gray or brown. Length — 23. 10. 



Adult 2 — Has the breast invariably spotted. 



Breeding Range — Throughout North America, chiefly along the 

 sea-coast. 



The nest, which is very large, is made of sticks, sea-weed, 

 and various other materials, depending on locality. It is placed 

 in trees, either dead or alive, on stumps, and on almost any avail- 

 able place, and is used for succeeding years. Several nests are 

 usually to be found near together. Seldom more than 3 eggs are 

 laid, 4 being an uncommon number. They vary very greatly 

 both in their ground colour and markings ; in some the dark red- 

 dish-brown blotches completely cover the ground colour, while 

 in others the whitish ground colour is almost immaculate ; usu- 

 ally the markings are fairly heavy. Size — 2.40 x 1.75. See Fig. 

 2, Plate A. 



366. American Long-eared Owl : Asio wilsonianus 



(Less.) 



Adult — Upper parts dark brown, finely mottled with white, with 

 some buff showing ; under parts white, buff, and dark gray- 

 ish brown, streaked on the breast and barred on the belly. 

 Ear tufts about one inch long, Length^^i4.8o. 



Breeding Range — Throughout the United States. 



The nest is seldom made by the birds themselves ; usually a 

 crow's or squirrel's nest is used, some small -work in the way of 

 repairing being done, and a few feathers and leaves added, 3 to 

 6 white eggs are laid. Size — 1.60 x 1.32, 



I2g 



