BIRDS OF NEW YORK STATE 73 



Owl, Saw-whet (Cryptoglaux acadira acadica) 



The smallest of the New York owls. Distinguished by absence 

 of ear tufts. It prefers swampy woods and keeps hidden during 

 the day in dense foliage or in a hole in a tree. 7.25-8.5 



Call no. 

 Nu OwR4 Three Young Birds in Different Positions 

 The young birds are more uniformly colored than the adults. 



Owl, Screech {Otus asio asio) 



The most abundant and most widely distributed of the owls. 

 It has two color phases independent of age, sex or season, some 

 individuals having the predominating color grey and others red- 

 dish. Intermediates likewise occur. The food of this owl is 

 almost exclusively insects and rodents. Occasionally it feeds 

 upon small birds, particularly English sparrows, hunting them 

 out by night in cornices of buildings, trees and between loose 

 bricks of buildings. 7.5-10 



Nu OwS Adult in Its Retreat in Old Stump. Gcnesco. (1910) 



Bailey 

 Observe protective coloration. 



Nu OwSl Adult Looking from Hole in Tree 



Nu OwS2 Immature Bird with Wings Spread (automatic flashlight). 

 Geneseo. (July 26, 1917) Bailey 



Nu OwS24 Six Young Birds of Different Sizes but from One Brood 

 Posed on Limb. Ithaca. (May 21, 1916) Allen 



Nu OwS3 Two Birds 24 Days Old Posed on Small Twig Bailey 



Note the developing tufts and position of toes. 



Nu OwS4 Two Posed Birds 24 Days Old, Alarmed. (June S, 1906) 



Bailey 

 Note that the feathers are finely crossbarred. 



Nu OwS5 Two Large Young Birds on Limb of Pine Tree. (1901) 



Notice the half-opened eyes. The bird assumes this expression 

 in the presence of sunlight because of the large size of the pupils. 

 Enough light, however, is admitted so that it can see perfectly 

 in daylight. 



