583 EAPTOEES, OH BIEDS OF PEET. 



monly called the AYood Owl. One of its names is derived 

 from its cry, lioo-oo-oo ! which resembles the howling of a 

 wolf, and caused the Romans to call it JJlula, from ululare, to 

 howl. 



The Tawnj'' Owl has a large head, and is about fourteen inches 

 in height. It inhabits the woods during the summer, and conceals 

 itself in the thickest bushes or the old trunks of trees. It remains 

 hidden all day, only going out in the morning and evening 

 to hunt small birds and tield-mice, its favourite prey. In the 

 winter it approaches human habitations, and even ventures into 

 barns to catch rats and mice ; but it retires to its hiding-place as 

 soon as day begins to dawn. 



At the beginning of autumn, the education of its young 

 ones being completed, this bird takes up its abode in damp 

 places, where it can catch frogs and reptiles, to which it is 

 very partial. During that season "Woodcock shooters often flush 

 them. 



Like many indi"\-iduals of tlie same family, the Barn <Jwl will 

 lay its eggs in strange nests, such as those of Eavens, Magpies, and 

 Blizzards, or even in a dovecot. The young ones are very voracious. 

 Before thej' are strong enough to stand upon their feet they will 

 support themselves on their stomachs, and, holding their prey in 

 their claws, tear it to pieces with their bills ; when they become 

 stronger, they stand on one leg, and use the other to convey food 

 to their mouths. 



This Owl has a gentle disposition, and is easily tamed ; it Icnows 

 its master perfectl}- well, and calls to him for food by uttering 

 low cries. It is found scattered all over Europe, and frequently 

 in Scothuid. 



As stormy weather has a great effect on animals' calling, and 

 this dark variety is more frequently fuund in northern and stormy 

 legions than the lighter-coloured, many authorities erroneously 

 consider the Screech and Barn Owls different birds. 



The Common Barn Owl is found over a great portion of Europe, 

 l>ut in France it is rare. There are several varieties of this bird; 

 the one best known in England has the following characteristics : 

 — Its plumage is agreeably variegated with yellow, white, grey, 

 and brown, and is more pleasing than that of any of the other 



